After the match, tears, hugs, and overflowing leis filled Saint Louis Field as Chaminade women’s soccer honored 10 seniors in their final home appearance on Saturday. The Silverswords fell 2-0 to Westmont on Aloha Senior Day, but the postgame ceremony was about far more than the scoreboard.
“These are the years when you learn the most,” said CUH head coach Michelle Richardson. “You learn what you can overcome, how you persevere, and what you are willing to give for the people you care about. Even though we lost, they are extremely proud of each other, and they love each other.”
For Chaminade (1-4-6, 1-4-3 PacWest), the match reflected a season filled with competitive stretches but limited attacking production. The Silverswords outshot the Warriors 12-5 and earned six corner kicks but could not find a finishing touch.
After a scoreless first half, Westmont (5-8-0, 5-2-0 PacWest) found the breakthrough in the 64th minute. Sophomore forward Skyler McNamara scored her fifth goal of the season off a short pass from freshman defender Daniella Coyle that slipped through Chaminade’s back line. Three minutes later, senior midfielder Amelia Villa added the second goal on a quick sequence led by sophomore forward Ciara Caringal.
Chaminade generated late chances, sending crosses into the box and firing three shots on goal in the final minutes. Still, Westmont junior goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig protected the shutout with six saves. Junior forward Kenna Kiefer led the Silverswords with five shots, including three on target, while junior goalkeeper Maddie Merrick finished with one save.
But when the final whistle blew, the focus shifted entirely to Chaminade’s seniors. Saturday was the last home appearance for Chaminade’s 10 seniors, who were celebrated with families, leis, and loud cheers. Richardson said their sendoff was well-deserved, since the group helped raise the program’s standards and finished their four-year run with 21 wins.
Chaminade honored forwards Lela Gi, Bryana Yoshida and Isabella Narvaez; defenders Kaila Levoit, Haley Moʻokini and Sydney Esquival; and midfielders Bailey Loria, Madelynne Knowd, Clara Slate-Liu and Brynn Shimabukuro during a postgame ceremony surrounded by family and cheering teammates. The crowd packed the track as the seniors’ parents waited on the field, applauding as each name was called.
CUH Sports Information Director Kevin Hashiro announced each senior over the microphone, reading their thank-you messages as they walked through a line of teammates who placed leis around their necks and gave them hugs. The crowd’s cheers grew louder with every name called, wrapping the seniors in a warm farewell on Saint Louis Field.
“They are one of the winningest senior classes we have had,” Richardson said. “They have created a new level for our success, and once you learn what it feels like to win, the next generation gets to step up with you. They are just good people, and I really value each one of them.”
Knowd, who was among those honored on Saturday, said the moment meant everything because she was able to share it with her closest teammates.
Knowd has been a steady contributor for CUH since arriving in 2022, earning Academic All-PacWest honors in each of her first three seasons and receiving the Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award twice. Throughout her career, she has appeared in 56 matches with 39 starts, recording one goal and two assists with 30 shots and 11 on goal while logging more than 3,300 career minutes.
“It just means everything to be able to play with my best friends,” Knowd said. “I have never been on a team this close, and the relationships we built will continue off the field. Personally, this moment means everything because it shows all the hard work we put in to get here. It has truly been a blessing.”
The Silverswords will now finish the season on the road with matches against Menlo (2-5-5), Jessup (1-8-3), and UH Hilo (6-2-6).
“We have talented younger players,” Richardson said. “If they continue working, our success will follow. Days like this remind the next group what it takes to carry the program forward.”