KAILUA-KONA — Hunter Olaso didn’t make the Kealakehe soccer team when he tried out his freshman year.
But still, Olaso persisted.
Although he was largely on the outside looking in, without a roster spot or jersey to his name, he did all the little things to make an impression on the coaching staff.
“I wanted to be a part of the team — whether that was setting up cones or getting water for guys,” Olaso said. “I’d run with them. Do all the drills. I felt like that’s what I had to do if I even wanted to have a shot.”
Olaso eventually got his opportunity at the end of the year, earning himself a roster spot, a sliver of playing time and getting to go to the state tournament with the team. He only stepped on the gas from there, eventually becoming a key cog in Kealakehe’s championship machine.
The lesson — persistence pays off.
“I had to be patient,” said Olaso, who was a first-team All-BIIF selection with the Waveriders this season. “That journey helped me become the person I am today.”
Olaso’s story added another chapter on Friday, as the soon to be graduate signed his letter of intent to play for NCAA Division III Webster University. He will attend the private Missouri school primarily on academic scholarships.
“I’ve always dreamt about playing collegiate soccer, so I’m really happy to have this opportunity to extend my soccer career,” Olaso said. “I just want to thank everyone —my friends, family, coaches and teammates — who helped me get to this point.”
Olaso was part of four BIIF championship squads with Kealakehe, where winning was a well-established tradition before he showed up on campus (the Waveriders have won the last six league titles).
But Olaso knew that coming in — he was a fan long before he made his way onto the roster.
“When I was like 8, my parents would have me drink these different supplement-type drinks. If I didn’t finish it, I couldn’t go watch Kealakehe play,” Olaso said. “Of course I did, because I always wanted to see them play.”
Now, Olaso will go from Waverider to Webster blue. And he will have to get used to what has already become a common question when it comes to his new school’s mascot — what exactly is a Gorlok?
“Everyone leading up to this had looked at the mascot and didn’t know what to think,” he said with a laugh. “It’s something different for sure, but I’m excited to represent the Gorloks.”
For those wondering, the Gorlok is a mythical creature designed in part by Webster students and staff through a school contest. It is reported to have the paws of a speeding cheetah, the horns of a fierce buffalo and the face of a dependable Saint Bernard.
When he eventually becomes a Gorlok, Olaso said he hopes to continue to play somewhere in the midfield. But nothing has been promised to him, a situation he has become more than a little familiar with.
“I’m ready to do whatever I need to do to get on the field,” Olaso said.
As for his major, Olaso figures it will be something in the business world. He identifies as somewhat of an entrepreneur, running a shoe-selling business on the side since he was 12 years old. He also has a passion for learning other languages, which will fit in nicely to his plans.
“I’d like to get into international business,” Olaso said. “I love to travel and have already seen a lot of places thanks to soccer.”
The barrage of lei won’t stop for Olaso. He will walk the line today at Kealakehe’s graduation, bringing a close to a packed few days.
“It’s been a fun, busy week,” Olaso said. “But I plan to keep it rolling all the way to Webster.”
Note: Also signing on to play at the next level was Kealakehe’s Yuki Lavoie. The senior Waverider and All-BIIF first team selection will take his talents to Peninsula junior college in Washington next season.
