Heather Kaleiohi Preps for NCAA College Cup
WVU forward Heather Kaleiohi will have a chance to live out one of her career dreams as she travels to San Jose this weekend to compete in the NCAA Women’s College Cup. Kaleiohi played at prestigious youth soccer club Albion SC and has continued to flourish in her college career as she has played an important role in the Mountaineers’ run this campaign.
College Soccer News: California native and Albion SC alumna Heather Kaleiohi is heading back to her home state as she gears up to play in the biggest college soccer event of the year – the NCAA Women’s College Cup.
“Heather was one of our most profiled players at such a young age,” said Noah Gins, Executive Director of Albion SC. “She was so committed to Albion and the training our staff provided. By the time she reached her high school years she was one of the most talented players on the ball in the country.”
A current junior at West Virgina University, Kaleiohi has tallied six goals and two assists in 21 matches this season. The standout forward helped WVU claim the program’s fifth consecutive Big 12 regular season title and Big 12 Tournament Championship during the 2016 campaign.
“We are very proud to have a player like Heather that started at U8 remain committed through her U18 season and receive a full scholarship to a Division 1 school that is now the No. 1 team in the nation,” said Gins. “She deserves all the success and accolades that are coming.”
Kaleiohi’s dream of playing in her home state with a top seeded women’s college team will be checked off her personal list of accomplishments as WVU prepares to take on the University of North Carolina this Friday. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. PT at Avaya Stadium in San Jose.
The Mountaineers opened the tournament as a #1 seed in the event and played through much adversity to reach this stage. Overcoming weather, officials, missing starters, PK’s and heavy legs during its tournament run thus far, WVU will compete in the College Cup for the first time in school history.
Kaleiohi believes that her team’s ability to overcome these obstacles has fully prepared them for the final matches ahead.
She is hoping to have some hometown love from her club soccer days in the stands as the Mountaineers take on the Tar Heels this weekend.
Georgetown University and USC face off in the second semifinal matchup at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Photo Credit: Steven Prunty
