With U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and 2001 Hall of Honor inductee Natasha Kai breaking new ground for Hawai'i soccer, fans are anxiously awaiting the Islands' next national-level standout.

If Kalani High School's Tani Costa continues on the path she's traveled so far, we won't have to wait long.

Costa, in fact, is perhaps the most decorated youth soccer player in Hawai'i history.

As a sophomore, she was OIA Eastern Division Player of the Year and named to The Advertiser's All-State first team, after leading the East in scoring and helping the Falcons win the division title.

As a junior, Costa again helped Kalani win the East championship and was named first-team All-State after leading all O'ahu scorers with 22 goals.

This year, despite missing part of the season due to a stress fracture in her ankle, Costa finished second in the East in scoring with 10 goals and was named to the East all-star first team and first-team All-State by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Along the way, Costa's talents were noticed beyond Hawai'i and she was selected to the U.S. Women's Under-16 National Team, U.S. Women's U-17 World Cup Team, NSCAA/adidas All-America Team and U.S. Women's U-20 National Team.

Off the field, Costa carried a 3.6 grade-point average and volunteers for Project Hope, helping underprivileged children. She also helps coach youth soccer through the "Kickin' It Clinic," Leahi Kids and HSC Keiki Bulls programs.

Ranked No. 11 among the nation's top college recruits by ESPN Rise, Costa will receive a full scholarship to play for 11-time defending Big 10 Conference champion Penn State this fall.