35 Facts About Natasha Kai

Natasha Kanani Janine Kai was born on May 22,1983 and is an American professional soccer forward and Olympic gold medalist.

Natasha Kai previously played for Sky Blue FC and the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and National Women's Soccer League as well as the United States women's national soccer team.

In 2011, Kai was part of the first US women's rugby union sevens team to play in the IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup held in Dubai.

Natasha Kai was named WAC player of the Year in 2002,2003, and 2005, and was named a third-team All American in 2003.

Natasha Kai was named WAC Freshman of the Year in 2002, becoming the first soccer player to be named Freshman and Player of the Year in the same season.

Natasha Kai became the first player in WAC history to earn three Player of the Year awards and First-Team all-conference honors all four seasons.

Natasha Kai owns the WAC career shots record and is second in goals and points.

Natasha Kai finished her college career with 72 goals in 73 matches.

On September 16,2008 the initial WPS player allocation was conducted; Natasha Kai was allocated to Sky Blue FC with fellow US Women's National Team players Heather O'Reilly and Christie Rampone.

Natasha Kai's electrifying play on offense was key in Sky Blue FC's 2009 WPS championship season.

On December 21,2010, Natasha Kai signed a deal to play with the Philadelphia Independence.

In February 2013, Natasha Kai was selected during round four of the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft for the inaugural season of National Women's Soccer League.

Natasha Kai played through the full season scoring 4 goals before getting surgery on her left ankle for a reoccurring injury on September 26,2016.

Natasha Kai joined LA Galaxy Orange County, a team in the United Women's Soccer league, in 2019.

Natasha Kai scored a goal for the team in its 2019 UWS playoffs match against the Houston Aces on July 13,2019.

Natasha Kai was first brought in with the US U-21 Women's National Team in 2004, and was the leading scorer in the team with 12 goals, including six in international matches.

Natasha Kai helped lead the U-21s to the Nordic Cup title in Iceland, scoring three goals in the tournament including two against Germany.

Natasha Kai injured her shoulder in her final college game of 2004, then re-injured it again in her first U-21 camp of 2005, necessitating surgery, and did not get called into an U-21 camp until January 2006.

Natasha Kai started her first training camp with the full United States Women's National Soccer Team in February 2006.

Natasha Kai made her full Women's National Team debut at the 2006 Algarve Cup in Portugal, scoring in her first two games against Denmark and France, as a substitute.

Natasha Kai became just the fourth player in US WNT history to score in her first two caps.

Natasha Kai went on to become the first-ever player from Hawaii to play for the full Women's National Team and to make a Women's World Cup Team.

Natasha Kai played in 17 games during her first year on the National Team, starting in four matches.

Natasha Kai scored six goals, two of them in the 2006 Algarve Cup.

In 2007, Natasha Kai played in seven games heading into the final pre-Women's World Cup match, starting in four.

Natasha Kai was one of the final three players chosen to the 2007 US Women's World Cup Team.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Natasha Kai scored the winning goal in overtime to lead the US past Canada in the quarterfinal round.

Natasha Kai last played for the US on March 11,2009 against Sweden.

Natasha Kai has not been selected for national team duty since having major shoulder surgery in the fall of 2009.

Natasha Kai was part of the US women's rugby union sevens team to the first IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup held in Dubai 2011.

At five years old, Natasha Kai accidentally stepped on a glass bottle and the tendons in her foot were severely damaged.

Natasha Kai has over 60 tattoos two being "Sleeve tattoos" on her left and right arms.

Natasha Kai has tattoos on both legs, arms, feet, and hands, and on her back, chest, sides, and the front, side, and back of her neck.

Natasha Kai was featured on an episode of the hit show LA Ink and had a large spread in ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue".

Natasha Kai has openly discussed the fact that she is lesbian, and was one of only three openly gay individuals on the 2008 USA Summer Olympic Team.