Souza, Gabrio top talented field
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In a league filled with talented players, Kamehameha forward Sanoe Souza and Punahou defender Jayann Gabrio stood out.
Souza was named the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year and Gabrio was the Defensive Player of the Year, chosen by league coaches.
Souza had the "whole package; she was the player who made the biggest impact when our team needed it," Kamehameha coach Michele Nagamine said.
Souza helped lead the Warriors to their third straight ILH title. She scored 10 goals in the regular season, good for second in the league, including goals against rivals Punahou and 'Iolani.
"Sanoe scored big goals when she needed to score big goals," Nagamine said. "She just had that ability to get herself on the ends of balls that you might not think she could get to."
Gabrio led a Buffanblu defense that allowed three goals in 12 games.
"I just love the kid. You aren't going to find a funnier, nicer, harder-working kid," Nagamine said. "The change I noticed in her is she has become a tenacious defender, and that combination of size, brains and strength were lethal for Punahou."
Nagamine was tabbed the ILH Coach of the Year for the third year in a row.
Souza is joined by Kamehameha forward Courtney-Rae Botelho, midfielder Amber Fuller and defender Tarra Gabriel on the first team.
Punahou also placed four to the first team: forward Erin Rementer, who led the ILH with 11 goals, midfielder Brittney Sanford, and defenders Gabrio and Mari Carmichael.
Three 'Iolani players made the first team: midfielders Presley Pawn and Krystal Pascua, and goalkeeper Lauren Brown.
Pac-Five midfielder Christine Tamamoto also made the first team.
Sanford and Gabrio are repeat first-team selections.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.