The distance between Pasco High School and Seattle University is only about 230 miles, but Hans Esterhuizen has taken the long way between the two campuses.
After stops at Rhode Island and Washington, the defender has found a home on the Seattle U. soccer team and has made a major contribution to the Redhawks' success over the past three years. And that success is made sweeter by overcoming a major injury and a head-coaching change before his senior year, culminating with an appearance in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals this weekend.
After arriving at SU in 2004, Esterhuizen (pronounced Ester-hazen) did not play during the Redhawks' NCAA championship season while recovering from an injury suffered the previous year at UW. He played in 15 matches in 2005 as SU failed to advance to the tournament.
As a senior, Esterhuizen believed it was important to support the new coaching staff, including head coach Brad Agoos, after Peter Fewing resigned last spring.
"We've been through a lot, experienced the feelings of winning it all, then losing it all," Esterhuizen said. "When you've been through what this team has, it's easier to refuse to give anything away."
Esterhuizen points to fellow senior Chris Sorensen (Bishop Blanchet) as a prime example.
"Chris exemplified that when, after losing his spot as the starting goalie, he came in for the shootout against Cal State L.A. and made two saves to help us win that match," he said. "With such a small margin between winning and losing, it comes down to showing your heart and wanting it more than the other side."
After scoring one goal during the regular season, Esterhuizen scored in each of the team's victories at the Far West Regional last weekend. He was named the region's defensive MVP and earned a spot on the all-regional team.
Now, the captain leads his team to Durango, Colo., for Saturday's quarterfinal match against defending champion Fort Lewis College.