Kailua-Kona’s own Easi Easley has earned the opportunity of a lifetime, recently signing to play for the Seattle Sounders Academy. The offer was an emotional moment for the 15-year-old soccer player who was able to get the attention of several scouts while playing for Hawaii’s Olympic Development Program team.
“I was very excited and I couldn’t quite ponder they were offering,” Easley said. “It is a big deal and it is a dream come true.”
Easley also admitted there was a little bit of sadness knowing that he would have to move away from home, but added that it was an opportunity he simply could not pass up.
The Sounders program will require Easley to live in Seattle for 10 months out of the year. He will train, eat, sleep and go to school in Seattle. Practices will be held on a regular basis.
The journey to the decision began for Easley when he was able to make Hawaii’s ODP team, which allowed him to travel to the mainland and play in tournaments.
“It was a great experience and very fun playing with friends and traveling to different states while representing Hawaii,” Easley said. “But I never thought I would actually be scouted.”
It was during this time that he drew the attention of the the Seattle Sounders Academy, and most notably Seattle Sounder’s Technical Director Marc Nichols, as well as two professional teams from Europe — Chievo Verona and West Ham United.
Chiervo Verona is a Serie A club out of Italy. West Ham United is a member of the English Premier League.
Easley traveled to Italy to try out for Chievo Verona, but nothing came of it according to his father Taylor Easley. The Makua Lani student then went to Seattle, where he took part in a six day tryout that he summed up as being, “intense”.
“We would do a 30 minute workout then have a break, then 30 minutes more, break, 30 minutes, break. It was tough but very good,” Esai Easley said. “The quality of play was very high and it was very scientific.”
His performance at the Seattle tryout impressed the decision makers in attendance to give him a chance in the academy.
“I felt he was a good passer, neat in possession, and aways looking to get on the ball,” Nichols said. “He had good characteristics of a midfield player. He was in good position to receive the ball and made good use of it when he got it.”
With the track laid to follow his dreams of playing soccer on a professional level, Easley made the easy decision to change his life and make the move to Washington.
“I love everything about soccer — the fans, the players, and the rhythm of the game,” Easley said. “It will be a lot of hard work and high intensity training, but in a great, professional atmosphere.”