Personal Statement
I first started playing soccer when I was in 3rd grade and was introduced to Kanoa Football Club. At the beginning, I wasn’t fully confident that I would like the sport or even be good at it. But growing up with the Kanoa Football Club, the players and coaches- we became family. Our coaches and club officers really care for us; not just about soccer, but even outside of soccer and that’s what makes Kanoa special. I love playing field- I started out as a striker but mostly play mid- forward, mid-defense or defender. However, one thing that Coach Irish has taught me is to be flexible and to play where I am needed. This is when I started to learn how to play goal keeper. Coach Irish taught me that soccer is not about me and that it is a team sport. I strongly believe that her guidance is what brought us from last place to reigning Champions, in my particular age group. I am very proud to be from Kanoa FC, and thankful. If it wasn’t for Kanoa FC, I would not be where I am today.
Here in Saipan, we are so very lucky to have the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association (NMIFA) who supports us and works hard to get us to compete internationally. So, I do my part to put in the time. My first season on the National NMI team, I was chosen as a field player. However, the following season, our team needed a goalkeeper. I would ask Coach Mita if I can attend additional practices with the older team, so I can improve. I have been doing this now for 2 years. I appreciate the opportunities to train more and get better. The way I see it is that since our national coaches are always doing their best to bring the best out of us, I need to give it my all, too. Being a part of the National team for the past 3 years has been an honor.
And the least I can do, is continue to work hard and also make them proud.
