This week we will be talking with Kai Tamashiro and reviewing some of his best moment in a Paradise jersey!
How has college been?
“Playing in college and at UNC has been awesome and a blessing, the team is currently one of the last remaining undefeated teams. (I’m probably redshirting this year, as I also reclassed up in HS )
What was your Paradise experience like?
“My experience playing at Paradise was truly amazing. The atmosphere at home games were amazing, and there was no better feeling than scoring in front of those amazing fans. I was grateful to be able to train with older and more experienced guys to continue developing as a player and a person.“
What do you miss about Paradise?
“I miss playing in front of our growing fan base. Also miss all the guys, coaches, and members that were and are apart of the organization.”
Some of Kai’s best moments in a Paradise Jersey!
- His debut appearance against Miami AC that inspired a comeback. Kai Tamashiro came on as a substitute, his first action as a Paradise player was a sprint into the box, where the goalkeeper fouled him as he tried to collect the ball. The referee pointed to the spot and a penalty was awarded to the Sarasota Paradise.
- Kai quickly became known for his speed, but his finishing was equally impressive. In our home match up against Altitude Rush, Kai beat an opponent with a quick move and chipped the keeper for a goal from an impossible angle. Did he mean it? He says he did!
- Our match against St. Petersburg FC was a stalemate for most of the time. The Sarasota Paradise could not find a way to score. Suddenly a darting run from Kai behind the opposition’s central defender, and a stellar pass from Roman Holt, saw Kai in a 1 v 1 situation against the Goalkeeper. No doubt in his mind as he slotted it in the back of the net in the final minutes of the game.
- Our final game of the season found the Paradise down 1-0. The team had 1000 fans watching, Kai, not having a top game didn’t quit. He took the game into his own hands by dribbling the ball past a point of congestion, into a space where Paradise had an overload and could cross the ball into the box. The goal came and the season ended in a dramatic tie.
The 2024 season will be here before you know it. Lock in your season tickets today!