from Maui News

Mia Minkler of King Kekaulike High School is something of an Energizer Bunny on the soccer field.

Her ability to keep going resulted in a trip to this year's state semifinals, and the Maui Interscholastic Player of the Year award.

Minkler came back from a year that was plagued by injury to lead her team to the MIL runner-up spot and a tie for third place in the state in 2009.

''I started playing when I was around 8 years old,'' Minkler said. ''I really enjoyed it, kept with it and it's got me pretty far. ''

According to Minkler, she first discovered her ''speed and aggressiveness'' on the field at the age of 12 while playing for Na Kalohe.

''I guess that's when I realized that I was good at it, '' she said.

Minkler has kept playing, despite having undergone surgeries to repair torn anterior cruciate ligaments in each knee.

''The first recovery was really hard because I had never experienced anything like it before,'' Minkler said. ''I want to say it took between five and six months to get through it. Mentally, I was not in it. I wanted to give up. I've been so active my whole life and to spend such a long time not being able to do the things I love was so hard. It was a really horrible experience. Rehabilitation was difficult and painful.''

The second injury, to her right knee, occurred during Minkler's junior year.

''The right knee took a lot less time to recover, '' she said. ''I had a better, positive outlook on it. I thought to myself and said that I have to go through with the surgery no matter what, and chose not to let it put a damper on my life. I got the surgery, recovered fast and worked hard through rehab. It was easier because I knew what to expect and how to get through it. ''

Minkler, an honor-roll student, will attend Sonoma State University in the fall and intends to play soccer there. She plans to major in psychology and incorporate that into physical therapy and sports medicine.

''I've been through a lot,'' she said. ''I want to be able to use my experience to help other athletes get through injuries not only physically, but psychologically as well. ''

Minkler was joined on the first team by Na Alii sophomore forward Malisa Hiraga, senior defender Maci Tokunaga and senior goalkeeper Melanie Dickson as well as three players from league-champion Kamehameha Maui --- senior forward Leinaala Song, junior midfielder Kylie Watson and senior defender Larissa Nakamatsu --- plus Baldwin junior midfielder Ayesha Pladera and junior defender Megan Jorgensen, Lahainaluna senior midfielder Jordyn Kilgore and Maui High junior defender Kyra Calhau.

The coach of the year award went to David Ching of Kamehameha.

''This year was one of the most challenging seasons I have ever had,'' Ching said. ''Right from the start and continuing throughout the season we experienced serious injuries to key players at key times. We had one of the most talented players (Cheynice Ruidas) on our team and in the MIL for the past two seasons out all year with a knee injury. For one game, we had six of our starting players out with injury. This speaks volumes for the integrity and desire of our whole team, as many players were asked to perform in unfamiliar positions, during critical times. Everyone stepped up; no one quit, and all outperformed.''