Konawaena multisport standout Shayli Nakamoto signed her Letter of Intent Tuesday afternoon for an academic scholarship, and will play soccer at Southern Virginia University. SVU is a four-year, liberal arts institute in Buena Vista, Virginia.
“I decided to go to Southern Virginia because it had good church standards and that is something I was looking for in a college,” Nakamoto said. “I also chose it because I love the environment. It is a really small school and I didn’t want to go to a large school where I was just a number. I will have more one-on-one time with the professors.”
The SVU girls soccer team plays in the NCAA Division III and is a member of the Capital Athletic Conference. They are led by long time coach, Matt Grawrock. Grawrock was instrumental in Nakamoto signing with Southern Virginia.
“When I met the coach he was so kind and I knew he was the one for me,” Nakamoto said. “He told me to work hard, be diligent in my summer training, and I know if I put forth the dedication and hard work I will be rewarded.”
Grawrock is the program’s all-time wins leader and he led the girls to a USCAA national championship in 2010. Grawrock attended SVU as a student and attained at bachelors degree in liberal arts and a master’s in sports management. During this time he also served as an assistant coach for the girls soccer program under Joe Bouchelle, the schools previous wins leader.
Grawrock was the head coach for Valley Catholic School in Beaverton, Oregon before coming back to coach at his alma mater.
Nakamoto will head to Southern Virginia after a stellar career at Konawaena in three separate sports.
As a member of the soccer team, she helped lead the Wildcats to three straight BIIF championships. Along with soccer, Nakamoto also competed on the track and field team and in cross country. She has competed in four HHSAA state meets in cross country and most recently finished second in the 1500 at the BIIF track and field championships. She finished 11th at states.
“It has meant a lot to me to play for Konawaena and I have learned some valuable lessons,” Nakamoto said. “Konawaena allowed me to reach my dreams because I have always wanted to play at the college level. The school taught me how to stay diligent and how to stay strong. I am pretty happy with what I have accomplished here.”
Along with soccer, Nakamoto will also have an opportunity compete in cross country at the college level as well. SVU does not have a track program.
“I know that soccer is my first priority. Cross country is more of a hobby,” Nakamoto said. “Playing all three in high school has really prepared me for college because I have always been busy so I am always in shape. Now I can go to college at my highest peak and I am ready.”
Nakamoto shined in many aspects of high school life. She was also the senior class president and sports editor for the high school newspaper. She plans on majoring in family and child development and minoring in music with thoughts of becoming either a counseling psychologist or working in the research field for a company studying behaviors.
Nakamoto is the daughter of Heather and Shane Nakamoto of Kealakekua.
