In the whispers and silent stares, Crissy Marti was left to assume the worst about people’s perception of her. So, she understood that some doubted her, wondered if maybe she wasn’t playing past her ability. She hated that more than
In the whispers and silent stares, Crissy Marti was left to assume the worst about people’s perception of her. So, she understood that some doubted her, wondered if maybe she wasn’t playing past her ability.
She hated that more than anything. And still detests the thought of people questioning her skill on the soccer field.
“I can’t stand it when people tell me I can’t do something,” Marti said. “I like to prove people wrong.”
She’s done it again.
In mid-August, Marti will travel to Valencia, Spain, to sign her name to a professional soccer contract with one of the country’s top clubs, Levante. After a year with the First Division team, Marti will graduate to the Spanish Women’s National Team.
Before long, Marti may be playing in the World Cup or the Olympics.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Marti said. “It’s something I’ve got to go do.”
For the past two years, Marti has been honing her skill at the University of Portland (Ore.), a school widely known to have one of the top soccer programs in the nation. Becoming a Lady Pilot had been Marti’s dream since early in her high school career.
“It was about me wanting them as much as them wanting me,” said Marti, who graduated from Kapa’a in 1999. “It was a dream come true to play for them.”
Last year, Portland qualified for the semi-final of the NCAA Tournament, making Marti the first Hawaiian-born female to play on that elevated stage. The Pilots lost 1-0 to UCLA in the semifinal, but Marti’s ascension to the upper echelon of soccer was complete.
“The international teams have scouts all over the place,” Marti said. “The Spanish coaches had seen me play during my seasons at Portland.
“Then they found out I was half-Spanish.”
Marti’s father, Sal, is the bloodline Crissy now thanks daily.
“Everyday I’m thankful that he’s Spanish,” Crissy said. “It’s what’s making this opportunity become reality.”
It’s also what might make her transition to international living more tolerable. There are countless stories of talented athletes who tried to play their sport of choice in Europe but couldn’t handle the culture shock.
“Valencia, where I’ll be living, is actually where my dad is from,” Marti said. “I’ve got a bunch of family over there, and I’m trying to learn the language.”
Marti also lived in Spain for five months in 1992.
“It’s going to be a little lonely, I know that,” Marti said. “But, this is what I want to do. Besides, I’m hoping playing over there will lead me back to the United States soon, to play in the women’s professional league.”
Which would be a remarkable rise for a girl from tiny Anahola, Kaua’i. Though it’s not like the signs of talent weren’t visible early on.
Marti has been playing soccer since she was three. And things really got rolling in 1995, when she made the Region IV Olympic Development Team. She remained a member of that selective group until 1998. That was the same year she led the Warriors to a second-place finish in the state tournament, and received the first of two selections to the all-state team.
In 1999, she was the KIF player of the year, as well as the scholar athlete.
Now, she will make money for doing the thing that has always come most naturally to her.
“I’m going to get $980 a week, and they’ll pay for my food and apartment,” Marti said. “It’s very exciting.”
But first, Marti must get to Spain in mid-August to sign the contract. And that, she said, the Spanish club cannot pay for. So, Marti is trying to raise the funds on her own.
On her behalf, the Kaua’i Institute of Soccer, a non-profit corporation, will be accepting contributions. Any of $15 or more will include a free truck or car wash on July 14. A $35 or more donation will include the wash and a free soccer lesson for your child or grandchild. For $75 or more, Marti will detail your car or wash all your home window/door screens or help you at your place of business for two hours or give four half-hour private soccer lessons.
Donations can be mailed to The Kaua’i Institute of Soccer; Crissy to Spain; P.O. Box 2019; Kapa’a 96746.
And don’t tell Marti she can’t raise the money. She hates that.
