As she and her Rush 2001 (Under 13) team moved closer to a possible berth in the U.S. Youth National Soccer Tournament late last week, the group’s cohesiveness remained a huge reason why, according to sweeper Karlee Manding.<\/p>\n
“Most of us on the team have been together for three or four years now,” said Manding, who will be a freshman at Waipahu High in August. “Traveling gives us a chance to bond more, since we’re doing everything together. We also have different responsibilities here than we do at home.”<\/p>\n
Manding and her team-mates have taken easily to life on the road. Last week marked Rush 2001’s third straight trip to the Far West Regionals, when they flew to Albuquerque, N.M. With a trio of wins there last week, the three-time defending state champion won its pool and was awaiting a quarterfinal appearance on Friday. The semifinals were to be played Saturday, with the finals Sunday. The winning team will earn a berth at the nationals in Germantown, Md.<\/p>\n
In addition to Manding, Rush 2001’s girls team also includes Kitty Jones Kamaka, Anuhea Kane and Alyssa Tokunaga Magno (Ewa Beach); Bree Fuller and Alysha Somera (Pearl City); Mya Tolentino (Kunia), Destiny Souza (Kapolei), Alyssa Primacio (Ewa Beach\/Kapolei), Karalyn Lum (Aiea), Jenna Ramirez (Waikele), and Waianae’s Hayley Silipa and Isabelle Kuni. Manding recently took some time away from the soccer field to visit with MidWeek<\/em>‘s West Oahu Islander <\/em>by phone from Albuquerque.<\/p>\n What is your earliest soccer-related memory? <\/strong>When I was 6 and playing AYSO. I liked it because it gave me a chance to fool around and play outside and do it with friends.<\/p>\n Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? <\/strong>My family. They’ve always been there for me. Without them, I don’t think I could do all that I do today.<\/p>\n What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? <\/strong>I’ve tried to work on my communication because that’s a big part of the game. As a center back, you see everything, and it’s a big role to be able to communicate with my team-mates.<\/p>\n When did you know soccer was THE sport for you? <\/strong>When I joined an AYSO team in Kaneohe. I was about 9. That is when soccer started to become more competitive, and we learned more technical and tactical skills. That’s when it all started.<\/p>\n Who is the musical artist you would most like to see play live? <\/strong>Bruno Mars.<\/p>\n What Internet site do you frequent the most? <\/strong>YouTube. Mainly, (to view) things about soccer.<\/p>\n What is your least favorite household chore? <\/strong>Washing dishes.<\/p>\n What movie could you watch over and over? <\/strong>The Fault In Our Stars<\/em>.<\/p>\n What do you like to watch on TV?<\/strong>ABC Family or the Disney Channel.<\/p>\n How do you like to spend your free time? What are your hobbies? <\/strong>Most of the time, I like to go to the beach. Sometimes I surf with my family.<\/p>\n You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? <\/strong>Pizza.<\/p>\n Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? <\/strong>Bruno Mars.<\/p>\n jackster.1969@yahoo.com <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As she and her Rush 2001 (Under 13) team moved closer to a possible berth in the U.S. Youth National..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107],"tags":[7010,7009],"class_list":["post-40007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-west-oahu-sports","tag-rush-2001","tag-u-s-youth-national-soccer-tournament"],"yoast_head":"\n