On the Radar: Nalani Damacion’s Record-Breaking Freshman Year
We caught up with the rising star on the UH women’s soccer team.
At just 18, Nalani Damacion is basking in a soccer spotlight. The University of Hawai‘i midfielder from Rocklin, California, became the first-ever freshman and UH player to be named Big West Midfielder of the Year. She was also tapped as the Big West Freshman of the Week five times—a record—and is tied for third nationally with seven game-winning goals.
We caught up with the star player, who began playing soccer at age 4, to learn about what and who inspires her, both on and off the field.
SEE ALSO: Ones to Watch: 14 Local Rising Stars
Photo: Courtesy of Nalani Damacion
What does it mean to you to be recognized as the 2024 Big West Midfielder of the Year and Top Drawer Soccer Freshman?
That was super exciting and unreal. I was under so much pressure coming in, and I didn’t know what to expect. But I’m excited to be put on this pedestal, where other people are watching me and all these younger kids are watching me. It’s really exciting that I’m meeting the standards that I set for myself.
Did you set any specific goals for yourself this season?
Honestly, I didn’t even know those awards were a thing. My goal was to make an impact on the field, and I think scoring game-winning goals as a freshman helped show that I could. It was really important for me to show myself, the coaches, the fans and everyone I was able to make the biggest impact possible.
Photo: Courtesy of Nalani Damacion
Favorite memory at UH so far?
My favorite memory was either scoring my first collegiate goal. That was pretty awesome. JC, [my teammate] sent a long ball off a free kick, and it turned into a scramble in the box. I got my foot on it and it went in. It was unreal. I was in shock, but it was such an exciting moment. And then as a team memory, I would say after our UCSB (University of California Santa Barbara) game and we won the conference, that was really cool.
What advice would you give to younger athletes who want to play at the college level?
Honestly, just put in the hard work. I think mentally it could be a very hard game. But if you just keep it simple, keep playing the game and you know how to play, I think it can be really easy, and you can execute it in a way to reach your goals.
Photo: Courtesy of Nalani Damacion
What would you tell your younger self? Did you always believe you’d play college soccer?
I think you can get caught up a lot in other people’s paths, so I’d say just focus on your own. I always wanted to play at a college level. I didn’t know where I would end up, and I definitely didn’t expect Hawai’i, but I’m so happy with my choice.
Who is your favorite soccer player and why?
I love Rose Lavelle—she’s so creative as a midfielder, and I look up to her a lot. I also really like Trinity Rodman. Her energy is electric, and you can feel it even through a screen. I hope to bring that same energy to the field.
Photo: Courtesy of Nalani Damacion
What are your goals for after graduation?
Going pro has always been the dream. I’d love to do it for a few years just to say I did it. But I also want to make a name for myself outside of soccer, maybe in sports marketing. Whether it’s for a basketball, football or soccer team, I’d love to work in marketing and branding for a major sports organization.
Photo: Courtesy of Nalani Damacion
What do you love most about living in Hawai‘i?
I love how much you can do here. It’s not like you’re just stuck here at school, which is awesome, but I love going to the beach, hanging out with friends and there’s always something you can do outdoors, which I love.
How do you typically spend your free time?
At the beach—Sandy’s and Kaimana are my go-to spots. Our freshman group is really close, so we usually go together.
