Waipahu Senior Soccer Player Reflects On Her Successful Prep Career
Identifying the signature moment of her soccer career at Waipahu isn’t hard for senior Katelyn Onaga. Indeed, that moment also represented the high-water mark for the program two years ago when Waipahu won the OIA Division II title, the first ever for Marauders girls soccer.
“I was so happy and so proud that we were able to make history,” said Onaga. “We were able to send off (goalkeeper) Kimi (Kaniaupio) with a great season, and she really deserved it.”
Fast forward to the present, and it’s Onaga who is attempting to close out her prep career the right way. The team returns to action at 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani for a key OIA West matchup. Onaga recently took some time away from the practice field and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest soccer-related memory? When I was about 6 and going up against a girl twice my size. I got the air knocked out of me. I was on the ground, freaking out, and my dad (Brian), who was my coach, said to calm down, ‘You have to go back in the game soon.’
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My sister Shannon because by being all she could be, the example she set for me was high. She played soccer, too, and she was president of the Honor Society.
What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My defense. And I tried to focus on my speed so I could chase everyone down; also, trying to anticipate what’s going to happen next.
What’s the most important thing you’vemlearned through soccer? Determination and never giving up. As long as you try your best, you’ll always be successful in the end.
Who is Waipahu’s best “practice player” – the girl who puts out the best effort? The girl I feel is a freak about soccer would be Elisha Paulino, who is one of our defenders. She’s always talking about the UH team and how she wants to be like them. She admires them so much.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? It’s between Facebook and Instagram.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing the dishes. I don’t like that, but I do like to cook.
What movie could you watch over and over? Despicable Me 2.
Name three of your favorite musical artists. No. 1 would be Bruno Mars. After that, it gets harder to choose. I listen to the radio.
When you have freetime, how do you like to spend it? I like to cook and bake and go on the computer to go to Facebook.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? I love gyoza.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Soccer player) Mia Hamm, and Selena Gomez, too.
