#ECNLAYW Spotlight | Maki Kono
RICHMOND, VA (April 12, 2016) – The Elite Clubs National League is dedicated to celebrating the Amazing Young Women that have helped mold this league into the top female youth soccer platform in the world. As part of the campaign, the ECNL is encouraging amazing young women to share their stories.
Maki Kono is a current member of Sereno SC ECNL U17 team. She sought out Sereno SC with the help of her host family, and started her journey in the league. Maki received her international clearance two weeks ago, making the ECNL San Diego National Event her first league competition. The ECNL caught up with Maki to learn more about her journey to the United States to play club soccer, as well as what she is like both on and off the field.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Tokyo, Japan
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: Yes, one older brother
Q: How long have you been playing soccer?
A: Since I was 6 years old
Q: Who is your soccer idol?
A: Iniesta!
Q: What is your favorite subject in school?
A: Math
Q: Define the word “Teamwork”:
A: Family, but sometimes rivals. Tough at times, but for a good reason.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: Hawaii
Q: Twitter or Facebook?
A: Facebook
Q: What motivates you the most about this sport (soccer)?
A: I love being a student of the game and playing
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
A: I love Chobani yogurt, and I can complete the Rubik’s Cube
Q: What is your juggling record?
A: Something over 2,400
Q: Champions League or English Premier League?
A: Champions League
Q: Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake?
A: I am a Belieber
Q: PB&J or Grilled Cheese?
A: PB&J
“Maki took a leap of faith, leaving her family and friends in Japan to experience something new.” said Kai Edwards, Sereno SC Coach. “It takes courage to uproot and relocate into a new culture. Maki has made great strides this past year, taking every opportunity given and growing as a person and player. She is a positive light to her ECNL teammates, fellow opponents and beyond, with an infectious smile and unwavering work ethic. Our club has learned so much from her, honored to have her be a part of it all.”
Maki, you are an Amazing Young Woman. Thank you for sharing your story.
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About Elite Clubs National League: The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for college and youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
eliteclubsnationalleague.com | Facebook: /theECNL | Twitter: @theECNL