By JOHN DE GROOTE
By JOHN DE GROOTE
Stephens Media
After a brief layoff from being a student-athlete, Malia Kaiwi is ready to take her game to the next level.
The former Makua Lani standout will receive partial scholarships to compete in both soccer and track and field at Southwestern Oregon Community College this fall.
“We started calling all of the schools we had talked to after her graduation and told them we are ready now,” said Angela Kaiwi, Malia’s mother. “The coach said that’s awesome and we would be glad to have her.”
Kaiwi had originally planned to attend William Jessup University in California after graduating in 2011, but she chose instead to spend time volunteering with a Christian outreach program based in Denver before starting her education. The program took her to Xcalak and Mahahual, Mexico and was a real growing experience coming out of high school.
“It’s really hard to sum up all of it,” Kaiwi said of her year off. “It really was a life-changing experience for me.”
It’s no surprise that Kaiwi will be a multisport athlete at Southwestern Oregon, which competes in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges. During her high school career, Kaiwi started four years on the varsity soccer team and was an All-BIIF selection her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. She also lettered in track and field and started eight games on the baseball team in 2010.
“I have spoken with my coaches, and they really like my athletic ability,” Kaiwi said. “Neither really know what they want to do with me yet though. A lot is still up in the air.”
The team will surely welcome the abilities of Kaiwi. Last year, the Raccoons went 0-13-1, finishing at the bottom of the NAACC’s South Region standings.
Kaiwi is looking forward to seeing a familiar face when she arrives on campus. Katie Aguilar, a 2012 Honokaa graduate, is on the soccer team’s roster and will help ease the transition for Kaiwi.
“It’s a new place and I’ve never been to college before, so I’m nervous, but having a friend up there will help out a lot,” Kaiwi said. “I’m sure she will show me the ropes.”
Kaiwi is not letting sports take away from her primary goal of pursuing an education. She is fully aware she has a great opportunity to prepare for the future and is ready for the challenge.
“I’m excited about the whole experience but really am looking forward to going to school again,” said Kaiwi, who plans to major in nursing. “It is a two-year college, so I plan to eventually transfer to a four-year school. Fresno State is on my mind, but a lot is still to be decided about my future.”
Reach John De Groote at jdegroote@westhawaiitoday.com