In Hawaiian language, "ho'okahi" translates "to make one."
On Mondays and Thursdays this summer, GoSwords.com will talk to select returning student-athletes from all 10 Chaminade University sports about how they are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Featured here is
Lyric De Leon of men's soccer. The junior from Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i native is a primary reason for the Silverswords earning back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in program history. A starter at defender since his freshman season, De Leon has been part of a 'Swords defense that has surrendered the three of the five lowest goals-allowed average in the 14 years Chaminade has fielded intercollegiate men's soccer.
Q (GS.com): What are you missing the most about Chaminade?
A (ES): I miss seeing my soccer team and being around them. We're all really close; players, coaches and family and I miss playing with them and bettering ourselves for our upcoming fall season. We continue to work hard on our own and I can't wait to get back to work with them so that we can continue to strive.
Q: What are you doing to keep your spirits up during the situation?
A: During this pandemic, I've been able to spend more time with my family and my dogs. This time has allowed me to appreciate them even more than I already have and it has also made me cherish life in general. I've also been continuing to work out and train, allowing me to be in the best shape that I can be when season comes around in August. Doing so helps me to keep a strong mental state and a good attitude, knowing that I'm bettering myself for my team.
Q: How are you staying connected with your coaches and teammates?
A: I've been in contact with my coaches as well as my teammates. I receive updates from my coaches and this allows me to keep that strong bond that we have. I also talk to my teammates and make sure that we are all working hard on our own so that we are more than ready for this fall season. It's important to be in high spirits with both my coaches and teammates because it allows us to continue to build our relationships and to keep each other accountable. Chemistry is important and every single person involved with our team is important to our success.
Q: Have you learned any new skills or picked up new hobbies that you otherwise would not have if not for the current situation?
A: During quarantine, I have taken up planting. I have planted lily bulbs as well as daisy seeds and sunflower seeds. It's very simple because I water my plants once or twice a day, but it's exciting when I see my plants grow, knowing that I was able to create something out of little bulbs or seeds. I have also been hiking with my family and this allows us to exercise, spend time together and to appreciate the beauty that O'ahu has to offer.
Q: What is your favorite on-the-field or on-court memory from this past 2019-20 year?
A: My favorite on the field memory of this year was beating Hawai'i Pacific University, 1-0. We lost to them in a (non-conference) match but we worked hard in practice on the mistakes that we made. We played them again in a conference match and we were able to dominate and come out with a win. We worked hard as a team defensively, as well as offensively, and we worked hard for one another. This showed that the relationships that my coaches and my teammates have built have proven to structure our team in a way that we can all rely on each other to work hard for one another and to be successful.
Q: What is the first thing you will do after we return to a sense of "normalcy?"
A: The first thing that I'll do after we return to a sense of normalcy is hangout and train with my team. It's important that we continue to build our relationships with each other, to have fun and to continue to work hard for this upcoming fall season. This will be my last collegiate season and I'm excited to strive with my team and to prove to people that our team, being from Hawai'i, can be successful and will be a tough team to compete with. We expect nothing but success and we will continue to work hard so that we may be successful. With the support of each other, our family and our school, this will drive us even more to represent Chaminade and who we are.
