Fukushima has led Moanalua to a 4-0-4 record, making it one of two undefeated teams in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division.

"I think she's the spirit behind everybody," Moanalua coach Nikki Dela Pena said. "She keeps the team cohesive together."

Moanalua, in fourth place in the Eastern Division, played second-place Castle (5-1-2) to a 0-0 tie this past Wednesday.

Fukushima, a 5-foot-6 senior, stopped a one-on-one breakaway by Castle's Lauren Kanda in the first half to preserve the tie.

"She kept us in the game," Dela Pena said.

Fukushima has allowed two goals this season — "she's a natural," according to Dela Pena — and is hoping to lead the Menehunes to their third straight OIA playoff berth.

Moanalua faces Kahuku (5-1-2), which is tied with Castle for second place, tomorrow, and league leader Kailua (6-0-2) Saturday. The OIA tournament begins next week and all teams are still fighting for seeding.

Fukushima said she hopes to improve on previous performances.

"Every time we made it to OIAs, we lost in the first round," she said. "We're really meshing well. Last year was our learning year. Everyone knows each other to do well."

As the younger sister of two athletes, Russ and Ric, Fukushima said she grew up knowing about tough competition.

"Just seeing my brothers do good made me want to step up and not be the junk one in the family," she said.

AMANDA FUKUSHIIMA

"Most times, I'm just talking, I'm just encouraging (my teammates)," she said. "I try to talk to them friend to friend, not teammate to teammates."

On the field, goalkeepers need to be vocal, directing their teammates to be in the right place at the right time.

Nagamine said Fukushima's positive approach to this job is effective and helpful.

"She never bosses us around; she just tells us nicely," Nagamine said. "She doesn't nag and she's never whiny.

"I think if she wasn't as nice, my game would be thrown off and I don't think I would put out as much effort as I could. It really helps the team."

Nagamine compared Fukushima to Sandra Bullock's character, Gracie, in the movie "Miss Congeniality."

"She's not a girly-girl, and she can take on anybody that gives her trouble," Nagamine said of Fukushima.

Like Bullock, Fukushima is also filled with humor, according to Nagamine.

"She's loud and she's funny," Nagamine said. "She doesn't care what people think.

"She cracks jokes about everything. She can make a joke out of a door, and it would be really funny."