By Hector Roldan (@HectorRSJSU) – Spear Reporter
SJSU women’s soccer junior goalkeeper Shayla Sugai after capturing her first ever bucks in Oahu, Hawaii | Photo courtesy of Mos Masicampo
Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, SJSU women’s soccer junior goalkeeper Shayla Sugai started hunting at 10 years old. It quickly turned into one of her favorite hobbies, but preparing to hunt is no easy task.
“My routine is preparing, training and executing, and this leads me to a successful hunt,” Sugai said.
Tina Estrada, head coach of the women’s soccer team, has also made a huge impact on Sugai. She tells her “Be the hunter; you’re the hunter, not the prey,” which Sugai utilizes on the pitch.
“She never puts her head down. She definitely isn’t that type of person as she always moves ahead,” Paige Simoneau said, the assistant coach of the women’s soccer team.
Her father first introduced her to hunting at a young age and influenced the way she carried herself throughout the chase. “He’s kind of instilled those core values into me and been the one to lead me down that path,” she said.
Sugai said she believes that hunting invasive wild pig and deer species helps manage the forest and care for the land.
“I would say more than anything just because there’s a lot of respect that goes into it, I think a lot of times hunting can be seen as violent or looked down upon,” Sugai said. “But when we’re raised in any hunting routine, there’s a lot of respect that goes into the animal.”
After capturing her prey, her family skins and cleans the animal to prepare for cooking.
Her family likes to prepare a dish called ‘lau lau.’ The process includes wrapping pork in taro or banana leaves and steamed with rice served on the side to complete the dish.
“Whatever we don’t use, we give to our neighbors and community, as we take pride in being able to feed those around us and provide for our family as well,” Sugai said.
Cousin and former SJSU volleyball player Alyssa Sugai looks at Shayla as her sister, as they were raised alongside one another and live five minutes away from each other. “I was there when she was born and we have been together since then. Everywhere we went, we were just together.”
Alyssa said they both learned to hunt and fish together from Shayla’s dad.
“He taught us how to throw a pole to fish and how to throw a net,” Alyssa said. “He showed us the respect and values that come along with that as well.”
She said when preparing to go hunting, she listens to island reggae music, which sets the tone for the outdoors.
“Before hunting I wear a camo shirt and pants to blend in with the surroundings,” said Shayla. “Having comfortable boots is crucial because there is a lot of walking and hiking up through the mountains.”
Hunting involves lots of water, carrying heavy objects and being comfortable throughout the process.
Shayla pursues prey at a spot called “The Secret Location” up in the Hawaiian mountains because it resides on private property. When arriving at “The Secret Location,” there is a vast amount of land high on the grounds along with brush, trees and dirt trails. All of the space is utilized to the fullest as it is used to prowl and roam for prey.
Hunting for her is more than a hobby, it is a respected art and cultural practice.
“I hope she continues to grow and reach all her dreams and use the core hunting mentality, family values and see how far it takes her because the sky’s the limit,” said Alyssa.