After growing up in Mililani playing softball and basketball, Rainbow Wahine soccer junior defender Chelsea Deptula set her heart on soccer.

“My parents signed me up for soccer when I was four years old and I fell in love with the sport,” Deptula said.

The influence of her parents has played a huge role in Deptula’s drive and intensity.          

“Both of my parents were athletic,” Deptula said. “My dad played baseball and football and was on the swimming and diving team here at UH. My mom ran track and played basketball in high school.

“My parents were my first coaches and they’ve been supporting me ever since,” she continued.

Her parents get to see her play every time the ’Bows have a home game. Roadtrips and school limit visitations on the weekend, but she still takes advantage of having them nearby to watch her accomplishments in soccer.

“I’m fortunate enough to be playing in front of my family here in Hawai‘i. They come to all my home games and support me and I am able to see them almost every weekend,” Deptula said.

One of Deptula’s brothers, Peter, is running track and cross-country at University of California – Berkeley.

“My siblings and I always loved competition and we would just play backyard ball every day after school. It’s influenced our interest in sports,” Deptula said.

PREPPING AT PUNAHOU           

A 2007 graduate of Punahou School, the list of Deptula’s athletic accomplishments runs down the page. She was a three time all-state honoree in soccer, helping Punahou to state titles in 2004 and 2005 and won another two state titles as a basketball player. She also earned varsity letters in cross-country and kayaking and was named the 2004 Punahou Sportswoman of the Year.           

“Punahou (gave) me so many opportunities academically and athletically. The diversity of the school is so great and I am so appreciative,” Deptula said.

Aside from school, Deptula was also a member of the Leahi Premier ’89 club soccer team that won back-to-back United State Youth Soccer state championships.

“I think I took a little bit of something from every team I have been on,” Deptula said. “Whether it was playing with childhood friends or new friends, I was able to learn and cope with different types of people and that’s what has made me who I am today.          

“You’re not going to have that perfect team every time but you do what you can to make the most of it,” Deptula continued.

 AN INSPIRATION TO THE TEAM

Deptula has started every game since her freshman year and with a never-say-die attitude, is a force on defense for the UH soccer team. But the expectations of being a three-year starter have not affected her.          

“It has not put any more pressure on me. It’s no different than it was last year or the year before,” Deptula said. “If anything, ... it made me more confident playing this year as a junior. I have two years under my belt working with this (defensive) formation and it’s comfortable for me.”          

Senior forward Ambree Ako praised her contribution on and off the field.

“She is one of the leaders because she is older and more experienced, especially on the defensive line,” Ako said. “Off the field, a lot of the younger players look up to her and she looks out for them. She helps them out in any way she can.”

And she’s even inspired the seniors as well.          

“Being on the field with Chelsea is an experience like no other,” Ako said. “She chases down every ball no matter where it goes and exemplifies what it means to push until the final whistle.

“Chelsea’s attitude is ‘never give up.’ She’ll pick up the team and lead by example,” Ako continued. “She’s not the most vocal on the field but she keeps people in the game by saying ‘Come on, we need you, you gotta pick it up.’”

Even though she is a defender, Deptula has been known to hunt the ball down to score a crucial goal.

“My primary position is defense but I am always willing to help out on offense if the opportunity comes,” Deptula said. “I really enjoy my defensive position and I love denying players on the other team a chance to score.”

Deptula also has one of the team’s highest goal percentages.

“I try not to focus on shooting; instead I focus on where the goalie isn’t and aim for that opening,” said Deptula.

So why did Deptula choose to pursue soccer over basketball?

“I love playing physical. I think soccer is just a beautiful game where anyone can beat you on any given day,” Deptula said. “No matter if you have the best players on your team, anyone can beat you if you’re not in the right mindset.”

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