Aiea’s Soccer Team Full Of New Faces
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usFirst-year Aiea head girls soccer coach Benji Villaflor isn’t the only one eager to make an immediate impact on the program. As he evaluated his personnel last week, he was pleased to find a freshman class ready for prime time.
“It’s a really young team (overall), and some of them probably don’t think they’re going to be making the varsity, but we’re looking for some of them to step in right away and be starters,” Villaflor said. “I’ve been surprised at how well they’ve been doing.”
He takes over for Wanette Shirafuji, who led Na Ali’i to a 5-5-2 record in the OIA Red West last season. A club coach in both California and, more recently with Rush and Kaoi locally, Villaflor also is well-versed in Aiea soccer, having starred for the school from 1998-2001 under current boys coach Jon Shirafuji. Aiea made the state tournament three times during Villaflor’s playing days.
One thing that hasn’t changed since is the quality of youth soccer in the community.
“When I first met with the girls, they had a lot of pride in the school,” he said. “I remember how it was for me here, so it’s good to have a chance to help these kids. Aiea has always had a rich background in soccer. I hope to bring the program back.”
While youth can be found throughout the lineup, Villaflor is not without veteran leadership. Senior center/halfback Alyssa Dixon returns and has assumed the role of coach on the field.
“She’s taken on the leadership role, which I like - it makes it easier for us coaches,” Villaflor said. “She’s very aggressive, and she has a really good touch and awareness on the field.”
Villaflor also anticipates a big year from sophomore Jazlin Ching, who played on the varsity as a freshman last season.
“She’s really versatile. She played defense last year, but we think she can be a real strong forward. She’s real tall and physical, and it’s good she’s already played a year of varsity.”
Villaflor hadn’t finalized his roster as of late last week, but acknowledged that freshman Taylor Cazimero-Deshaw figures to be among the first-year players who move right to the varsity.
Despite its unique mix of under- and upperclassmen, Na Ali’i are ahead of schedule in developing cohesiveness.
“They all pretty much work well together as a team. They encourage each other. They get along in general and became a team right away.
“I’m excited to get them into full gear.”
Aiea finds out where it stands right away, as it opens its OIA Red West slate against defending OIA champion Mililani on the road Nov. 30. The rest of Aiea’s first-round schedule includes games against Campbell (home Dec. 3), Pearl City (away Dec. 7), Kapolei (home Dec. 10), Waianae (away Dec. 14) and Nanakuli (home Dec. 17).
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