University of Hawai`i senior defender Noelle Takemoto earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Scholar All-America honors.
Takemoto, a native of Honolulu, helped guide the Rainbow Wahine to a 10-8-2 record and a runner-up finish in the Western Athletic Conference this season from her right fullback position. She was also honored by league coaches, as she was voted to the All-WAC second team. Takemoto headed a defensive unit allowed just eight goals in as many conference matches to post a 0.98 goals against average.
Takemoto carries a 3.50 grade point average in History. She has been voted to the Academic All-WAC team twice, and has been named an NSCAA Scholar-Athlete on two occassions.
The NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America teams will be honored at the NSCAA/adidas All-America Luncheon, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18 in Kansas City, Mo.
Takemoto's honor is the first academic all-america honor for a Rainbow Wahine soccer player. Last season Wanette Miyashiro and Erin Schremser earned All-West Region honors from the NSCAA. Former Wahiine Megan Lytle earned regional honors as well in 1999.
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