The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s men’s soccer team is building camaraderie with a new coach and 11 new players.
After former head coach Paul Regrutto stepped down at the beginning of the year, it wasn’t until the end of May when Garret Estrin was named to helm the program.
“I’m feeling excited. There is a lot of potential here and we have a good group of guys,” Estrin said. “There is good energy in practice and good team chemistry early on, which isn’t always easy after bringing in a lot of new players.”
Assistant coach Terry Yamane recruited eight freshman and three transfers to join 13 returning players, many of which have been standing out during practice.
“People should watch for Brady O’Neill, a returning four-year player. We expect to see big things from him as captain,” Estrin said. “He played a lot last year and he’ll keep a strong back line for us. Our other captain, Alex Hernandez will be pretty dangerous for us as well.”
A few freshmen have been integrating themselves into the team and demonstrating their talents on the field.
“A freshman who could see ample playing time is Koki Hamada, who has been proving himself dynamic and impactful,” Estrin said. “Some local talent, Aidan Santos from Hilo, has also proven himself impactful as a freshman.”
Many times, Yamane and Estrin will find players practicing on their own time and taking advantage of the new turf soccer field, which is the only soccer-specific turf field in the state.
“It’s been amazing having this field, and when it starts to rain, it will be nice not to worry about playing,” Yamane said. “I’ve seen our players come out to the field to practice on their own time because it’s on campus.”
Today at 11 a.m., the Vulcans will be playing their first match against Cal Poly Humboldt, which will be the first official game on the new field.
“We’re very excited for the season. We have a lot of training days underneath us, while many mainland schools have already played a couple exhibitions,” Estrin said. “This will be Humboldt’s sixth game and our first, so we’re ready to play someone that is not ourselves and really see where we are.”
While the team gets used to integrating old with the new, Estrin hopes to continue focusing on team chemistry and working together.”
“We have so much potential on this team and I think what helps is working as a team on and off the field,” Estrin said. “Everyone talks about the importance of ohana and family here, and it’s one thing to say it and another to make that happen.”
After playing Humboldt today, the Vulcans next match will be against Westminster College at 3 p.m. on Friday.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com