LA Bulls and the Hawaiian National Teams

Three LA Bulls Directors were called up to the Technical Staff of the very first Hawaiian National Teams. The U16 Hawaiian national team saw their first competition at the NorCal showcase while U18s are preparing for their first international tournament at the CONFIA World Cup this July.

Mele French, Kelly Parker, and Alli Lipsher have been brought on as National Team Staff to coach the Hawaiian Girls’ 16s and Women’s 18s Teams through 5-6 camps – culminating with competition at the NorCal College Showcase in Davis, California in May, and international competition with Māori Football Aotearoa and club sides during the Women’s World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand this summer.

Mele French and Alli Lipsher are O‘ahu grown, having played soccer for most of their lives. They both were Honolulu Bulls players and after a successful youth career, Mele received a full scholarship to play at the University of Oregon, while Alli received a full scholarship to play at Duke University. From there, both of them continued their careers playing professionally for 7 years in the NWSL, WPS, W-League, and Bundesliga.

Kelly Parker and Mele French founded the Los Angeles Bulls Soccer Club after connecting while playing professionally for New Jersey Sky Blue. Kelly Parker has been a part of the Canadian Women’s National Team since 15 years of age and retired with a 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal. Kelly Parker played 4 years at UTEP and over 7 years professionally.

“I am incredibly proud to be a part of something so special. Hawaiians deserve their own identity through sport. Hawaiian soccer players do not have the same opportunities as youth players on the mainland. Although I have been fortunate to further my career in the sport out of Hawai‘i, there are still many players who are not receiving proper exposure. The talent on the islands is above average and with the right people working together, we will see more Hawaiians in the pro leagues. The creation of the Hawaiian National Team is a perfect pathway for Hawaiian soccer players to gain the exposure they deserve.” – Mele French

About Kanaka Powawae
Our mission is to improve the resiliency and overall well-being of Native Hawaiians for generations through football. Our National Teams give Native Hawaiians the opportunity to exercise their fundamental patriotic and human right to represent their own country, under their flag, on the global sporting stage.