Hawai'i defender named Academic All-American

Advertiser Staff

University of Hawai'i senior defender Noelle Takemoto became the first Rainbow Wahine soccer player to receive academic All-America honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Takemoto was named to the third team among players from all levels of NCAA four-year universities.

"It's a very big honor; my parents (Harvey and Teresa of Honolulu) are really proud. My dad was really excited, and think that it is a reflection on them that they taught me to work so hard all these years," said Takemoto, a 1999 Punahou School graduate.

"It is a great accomplishment. I was happy to even be considered."

Takemoto carries a 3.50 grade-point average in history. She has been named to the all-academic team of the Western Athletic Conference twice.

Takemoto, who was named to the All-WAC second team, was instrumental in helping guide the Rainbow Wahine to a 10-8-2 record and a runner-up finish in the WAC.

She headed the WAC's top defensive unit, which allowed eight goals in eight conference matches.

Takemoto has twice been named to the academic All-WAC team, and was named an NSCAA scholar-athlete twice.

The Rainbows just completed their ninth season under head coach Pinsoom Tenzing.

The NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America teams will be honored at a luncheon in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 18.