TUKWILA — A proud and powerful moment quietly occurred during the on-field celebration following the Peninsula College women’s soccer team’s 4-0 NWAC Quarterfinal win over Bellevue last Saturday.
While the Pirates soaked in the cheers after earning the program’s ninth-trip to the NWAC Final Four, three players donned Hawaiian state flags in a tribute to their island heritage.
Protests opposed to plans to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea — considered to be the most sacred land in Native Hawaiian culture — have been held since October of 2014.
The cause has dovetailed with the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and led to crackdowns on displays of Hawaiian pride — such as putting the state flag on vehicles.
“There’s a lot of different twists to it, but for us, it’s letting people know that there are issues back home, but if our sacred lands are being taken away, we will still fight for it no matter how far away we are,” goalkeeper Andrea Kenagy said.
Kenagy was joined in the display by teammates Kayla Alcott and Miya Clarke — but defender Kaiya Dennis said the trio also spoke for her.
“We wanted to show how proud we are to be Hawaiian,” Dennis said. “It’s a symbol that we all respond really strongly to.”
Peninsula freshman and Hilo, Hawaii product Miya Clarke, left, was voted to the NWAC North Region All-Star team this week. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
In a different vein, the pride and passion shown by Hawaiian-born players has long been a crucial component of the Pirates’ women soccer success.
Peninsula is seeking it’s fifth NWAC women’s soccer title this weekend and plays Tacoma in a semifinal contest at 12:30 p.m. today.
“The first Hawaiian player we recruited was a wonderful player named Kelsey Ng from Pearl City, Hawaii,” Pirates head coach Kanyon Anderson said. “My wife Amanda was the assistant coach at the time and we went over and watched the state championship.”
Anderson said he comes home sunburned after each recruiting trip, but its not a result of time spent beach-side with a tropical beverage.
“Hawaii is awesome, but no, its a guaranteed sunburn. A lot of time at the field [scouting] when you want to be doing some vacation activities. But it’s worth it.”
Bri Afoa was a two-time NWAC MVP in 2012 and 2013 and remains the program’s all-time leading goal scorer (45) and points (109) scorer.
Anderson pointed out that two of Peninsula’s four NWAC Finals’ MVP’s have been from the islands.
“Bri Jackson-Vallente was MVP when she scored the championship-winning goal in 2016 and Andrea Kenagy got the MVP last season.”
Listing every worthy Hawaiian contributor to the Pirates’ success is too big a task.
“There are too many to name, really,” Anderson said. “This isn’t anywhere near a complete list.”
Peninsula started five Hawaiian players against Bellevue with Jordan Zarate joining Clarke, Dennis, Alcott and Kenagy in the starting 11.
And Halle Nottage, Breanne Kuni and Musuai Siania Isaia make eight Hawaiian-born players on the Pirates’ 26-player roster.
“Zarate at center mid might have been the best player on the field Saturday,” Anderson said.
“Andrea — I don’t know what else needs to be said about our all-time leader in shutouts.
“Kayla and Kaiya at right and left back, I think they should have been all-stars. And Miya is our second leading goal scorer….she was an easy choice [as an all-star].”
The values of respect, hard work and toughness have been a common thread for the Hawaiians through the years.
“What I have found is they are really family based folks. They take instruction really well. They are respectful and hard working. Respect, hard work and toughness
“They remind me a lot of Alaskan players. It’s very family based and hard work is a key element. And they tend to do really well in Port Angeles, in coming to a beautiful place focused on nature. A calm lifestyle.”
Alcott said the experiences Peninsula players have at the school resonate when they return home to the islands and speak to younger players.
“They’ve never regretted coming here,” Alcott said. “They’ve loved the experience.”
Kenagy said she’s met club team players that have made the move to PC and enjoyed the environment.
She mentioned humility as a characteristic of Hawaiian players.
“Being humble and this [motions to some post-practice mischief] — getting everybody fired up to do their best,” Kenagy said.
Alcott mentioned the Aloha tradition.
“We bring it back from home. Be kind to everybody.
“And I like how we trust each other. Always. I trust them knowing, lets say it’s a 50-50 ball, I trust that she’s going to get it, she’s going to win it.”
Dennis referred to a common trait displayed through the seasons.
“We are all tough,” she said. And that toughness is on display each game. Whether it’s Clarke running down every single ball — even sliding to save a ball in and getting the turf burn to go with it while up 4-0 in the 87th minute against Bellevue.
Or Kenagy diving for saves, Dennis and Alcott clearing the ball from danger and Zarate making moves to push the ball upfield.
Anderson said having Hawaiian players on his teams has helped him grow personally in addition to helping his squads perform.
“I’ve learned so much about what Aloha is and once you tap into that and see how beautiful it is there’s no going back,” Anderson said.
“I’m a different person for getting to experience these Hawaiian families and cultures. They take me in, make feel so warm and welcome, and I never feel like I’m sitting in hotel like a tourist. And it changes the way I look at the world, changes the way I coach, teach — even the way I am when I am stuck in traffic.”
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
