Mary Shin has decided to fight on.
The ‘Iolani soccer standout signed a letter of intent to play for USC. The iconic gallantry and “Fight On” anthem are just a small part of the Trojan tradition.
“I just love the athletic facility and the people there. I want to go into business,” she said at the signing ceremony hosted by Education 1st at the Waikiki Elks Lodge on Wednesday.
Shin, a defender, had opportunities at the University of Portland, Brown and Washington.
“I really like UW’s campus, too,” Shin said.
One of her teammates, Marea Lee, signed with Swarthmore College, located 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia, Pa.
“I really like that it’s close to the city. That provides really good internship opportunities,” she said. “And also the concerts and the food. I like the fun aspect, too. I got to sit in the stadium and watch the team play. I would like to start interning at a business firm in Philly, maybe become an investment banker.”
Another ‘Iolani soccer standout, Mia Watanabe, signed with Stanford in December.
Two other Raiders, baseball players Logan Luke and Joshua Fournier, signed at the ceremony on a cool, overcast and slightly damp morning.
Luke signed with Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn.
“I visited this past November. I got to run with the guys. Super nice group of guys,” Luke said. “When I was there, I got to check out Elvis Presley‘s (museum) and eat at all kinds of place.”
The barbecue scene is big in Memphis, but Luke has another favorite.
“I prefer the fried chicken, to be honest. I’m really excited. The freshman 15 (pounds) is going to happen,” he added.
Luke plans to major in biology. He has been surrounded by inspirational heroes all his life.
“I probably will become a doctor. I actually have been into helping the homeless. My uncle, Chad Koyanagi, he’s the only street psychiatrist in the state. We’re not related, but he’s real close,” Luke said. “His wife is a nurse. She’s really happy. They’re the most selfless people I know aside from my parents. I kind of want to be like them.”
Luke’s mother is State Representative Sylvia Luke.
“If you turn on the TV, you’ll probably see her at some point. I see them as superheroes,” he said.
Fournier, who signed with Grinnell College in Iowa, has played the game since he was 4. His versatility as an infielder and pitcher makes him a valuable addition.
“I started young. I played in the Mililani league, COYBL. I love the sport. I knew I wanted to play baseball at the next level,” Fournier said. “I met the coach (Tim Hollibaugh) at a recruiting event and I love the location. I’m not a big-city guy. It’s in, honestly, the middle of nowhere, which I love. The program recruits from all over the country. The coach told me that there were actually more Hawaii guys on the roster last year than in-state Iowa guys.”
One of them is another ‘Iolani alum, Matt Inaba. The other is Riley Guieb, a Punahou graduate.
Shin is living her best life. She’s ready for the new journey, but happy to be part of the Raider family for a few more months.
“We’re all so close ‘cause ‘Iolani’s just a small community. All of us are really close,” she said. “I’ve been at ‘Iolani since kindergarten.”
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