UH's Allen takes teamwork beyond the court

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i forward Natasja Allen, center, is considering a four-year active military option after her graduation next year. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser Game facts WHAT: WAC women's basketball WHO: Hawai'i (13-11, 7-8) vs. Rice (12-12, 9-6) WHERE: Stan Sheriff Center WHEN: 7 tonight TV: KFVE TICKETS: $7 adults, $6 senior citizens, $4 students. PARKING: $3 SENIOR NIGHT: Honoring Hawai'i's Natasja Allen, Michelle Gabriel and Christen Roper. First 500 fans receive free team photo.

The Hawai'i senior, who plays her final home game tonight against Rice, decided in the past year to follow in the family combat boot steps. She signed up for ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) last semester and committed her future to the Army during the Christmas break.

"I really enjoyed it," Allen says. "It's hard to explain. People are so willing to help you, with anything. I'm rarely there because of basketball so people sit down and tutor me. It's nothing to do with being an athlete. They're helpful to everyone.

"It's almost like a team, not much different from basketball. I see their bright shining faces every morning. We have battle drills. They tell people to go here, do that. It's like a play. I don't think there will be much transition from basketball. It's all about motivation."

The Army ROTC program is nearly 90 years old and has produced 75 percent of all its officers. Secretary of State Colin Powell, basketball player/coach Lenny Wilkens and actor James Earl Jones are graduates.

Allen is leaning toward the four-year active military option after graduation next year, despite all the world's woes.

"My mom is a little nervous about it, but really I'm not," Allen says. "My dad was in the military so long. He said he's not worried. He supports me, says he knows I'll be fine. It's something I feel I need to do. Whether there's a war or not I would still have joined ROTC. I feel like it's the right thing."

Her father, Earl, retired after 20 years in the Army. He met his wife, Yvonne, while serving in Germany. Natasja was born in Heidelberg. She has been in and around bases her entire life. Her favorite movie is "G.I. Jane," and her cure for boredom on the road is to point out, and describe in depth, every military vehicle the team passes.

"She knew them all before she joined ROTC," teammate Christen Roper says. "Now she's become more and more of a fan."

Still, it is strange to see the Rainbow Wahine's most nurturing personality in full combat gear, including the fake gun she calls a "rubber duck." Ask UH coach Vince Goo what Allen's most valuable gift has been in the past four years and his answer is surprisingly soft.

"Compassion," he says. "That's her nature. She feels for her teammates, she's always concerned if they're sick or might be late to practice. She's a mother-hen type."

Goo has seen a large leap in Allen's maturity the past two years and has no doubt she has the discipline to succeed as an officer. He lets her leave practices early for ROTC. The Army, always searching for "student-athlete-leaders," has made its share of compromises to keep her in the program.

Still, four years in the military will be far different from her past four years in Manoa. Allen rarely takes the road well-traveled. Her most valuable physical asset in basketball might be her surprising style.

"She's mostly unpredictable," Goo says. "She'll make a move and the defender is not even sure she can go that way. She's sure. That makes her pretty hard to guard."

Allen's somewhat unorthodox methods have given her a game of substance over style.

The 6-foot-2 post broke many of former UH teammate Kyla Evers' high school records in Port Orchard, Wash. That got her a scholarship to Hawai'i but no guarantees. Allen played an average of six minutes her first two seasons.

When the gridlock at the post position cleared after her sophomore year, Allen saw her opportunity and soared for it. She lost weight, gained quickness and confidence and has started every game since.

"I had to prove myself," Allen says. "Had to prove I didn't deserve to be on the bench — not that I didn't deserve it the previous two years. I worked hard for it. I had to prove to myself that I'd earned it."

She led UH in scoring last year and was among the Top 20 in WAC points and rebounds. Her numbers are almost identical this season.

Allen still has that strange running style and her shots can look off-balance and unconventional. But, at least when Kim Willoughby is on the bench, Allen is often the first post player downcourt and makes nearly half her attempts.

It is all a matter of focus, according to Allen. So is ROTC.

"It is so similar to basketball," she says. "It just does something for you. If you're tired in a game, you learn to fight through it. If you're tired in the military, tough luck. You've still got to go. You have to be mentally tough, that's the main thing."

For Allen, that is the mother of all talents to master. Her quest will continue.