Hawaii Prep’s Emi Higgins was named as the Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year in girls soccer this week.
The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the field.
The 5-foot-9 sophomore forward and midfielder led Ka Makani to an 11-2-2 record and the Division II state championship in 2017. She scored 19 goals, including seven of Hawaii Prep’s nine tallies in five postseason games. She also had seven assists.
Higgins is a member of her school’s student council and has volunteered locally with the Kona Hospital Foundation.
“Emi is a great soccer player,” said opposing coach Josh Woodard of Kamehameha-Hawaaii. “She’s very technical with the ball and she’s very athletic. She doesn’t have overwhelming top-end speed, but she’s fast and quick enough to create opportunities for herself around the box. She was their most important piece this season.”
Higgins has maintained a 3.91 grade-point average.
Recent Gatorade Hawaii girls soccer players of the year
>> 2017: Emi Higgins, Hawaii Prep
>> 2016: Sunshine Fontes, Pearl City
>> 2015: Kristen Hori, ‘Iolani
>> 2014: Kiani Halushka, Kamehameha
>> 2013: Jill Shimabuku, ‘Iolani
>> 2012: Carly Neal, Kamehameha
>> 2011: Caprice Dydasco, Kamehameha
>> 2010: Mari Miyashiro, Mililani
>> 2009: Jayann Gabrio, Punahou
>> 2008: Tani Costa, Kalani
>> 2007: Mari Punzal, Kamehameha
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