KAILUA-KONA — Former Makua Lani soccer standout Akari Shimizu made a quick impact at the University of California-Riverside during her first year with the program. Shimizu played in 18 games this season as a mid-forward and was named to the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team.
“It is an honor, but it really comes down to the team doing well,” said a modest Shimizu. “I had a lot of fun this season and it is a privilege to be a part of this program.”
The Highlanders went 11-4-3 overall during the 2018 season, which included a 2-4-2 conference record.
“I feel like I learned a lot (from the senior class),” Shimizu said. “I will miss them, but I gained a lot of knowledge.”
Shimizu made the transition from high school to college smoothly and she credits that with her time playing for Kona Crush and her one year at Shattuck-St. Mary’s High School, where she transferred for her senior season to compete in the United States Development Academy League, the most competitive league for youth players in the nation.
“The transition was an awesome experience,” Shimizu said. “In club the focus was on self development. In college the self development never stops, but the focus is on the team and playing any position you can. This is a team sport and that is why I love it.”
One of Shimizu’s most memorable moments this season was the team’s 1-0 win against Long Beach State.
“We beat them 1-0 for our senior game,” Shimizu said. “It was an awesome game and it shows that Riverside has what it has (to compete). It was cool to win on Senior Night.”
UC Riverside will lose eight seniors next year as Shimizu heads into her sophomore campaign but she isn’t worried.
“It will be tough but with the great coaching staff we have, we will be fine,” Shimizu said. “The off-season is where champions are made. Now is the time to develop and better my skills and fitness as we figure out what to do with the members we have (returning).”