In June 2025, Vainuupo “Vai” Fanuaea, Senior at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School (NHIS) posted to Instagram to announce his plans for the future to play at a Division I collegiate level. Fanuaea has committed to the University of Hawaii to continue his football career, he is currently a tight end on the NHIS Varsity Football team.
The recruitment process made him feel a mix of emotions being that it was his first time ever talking to a school, but it was made easy by his coaches. He was shocked to find out that not only did the recruiters care about him as a player but also took time out to get to know him on a personal level.
“I never thought I would get the opportunity. When they came to practice and then they offered me at practice, it was really just surprising and like surreal for me,” said Fanuaea.
Being around football since he was young, it was naturally an interest for him. During Fanuaea’s freshman year he decided to make his way on to the field. Amongst all the other aspects of football there was one that really stood out to him during that time.
“The biggest thing that stood out to me was just the family vibe that the team has and every year that I’ve played it’s always had that type of feeling around it. To where I just feel comfortable and I can be myself,” Fanuaea said.
Throughout his football career there have been many influential people. On his growth as a player alone, he gives credit to his Coach Joe, who’s trained him since his freshman year.
“Even up to now he still trains me so he’s helped me get better, get faster, get stronger,” said Fanuaea.
As a student athlete, there are some challenges that come with balancing sports and education – Fanuaea continues to struggle with his procrastination.
“Knowing that, okay, you’re gonna be tired but you’re gonna have to still stay up, do work, make sure you stay on top of your work in school so you don’t have to catch up with anything,” Fanuaea said.
In his last year of high school, he’s getting ready to start his freshman year of college. He has to be physically and mentally ready to compete for a starting spot.
“Going in as a freshman, you want to be able to go in and compete with all the players that were already there, so my biggest goal is just to make sure I prepare myself,” Fanuaea said.
Football is not his only interest in college, though. He’s figuring out what he wants to major in, deciding between kinesiology or engineering to become an architect. For kinesiology, he found it interesting how his trainers know automatically what rehab someone needs. Although he also feels that engineering and becoming an architect have always been a dream of his.
“My biggest goal in life is to go back to Samoa and just help create more housing and like sustainable like structures, buildings and all that,” said Fanuaea.
For underclassmen who aspire to follow a similar path of doing football in college, Fanuaea offers some advice.
“The first is always just trust in God and his plan that he has for you, stay faithful, it’s not always gonna be easy. You just gotta trust that he’s taking you down the right path and then the second is just be coachable and listen. No matter what, you just gotta be respectful and just listen and take in what, take in everything they’re telling you,” said Fanuaea.
As his final high school football season has begun, Fanuaea is awaiting an exciting college life after his senior year with still much to decide.
“Trust in God and come watch us ball out this season,” Fanuaea said.
