Matai Ilaoa '25 Recruiting Profile

I’m a guy of very few words and I let my actions speak for me. Right now my actions would tell you that I’m determined not only to be an athlete in college but also a cadet in ROTC. That I have a plan to get my Bachelors degree, through these sources I know I can be successful.

Q: What makes you different from the million HS Football recruits?

A: Honestly, I probably blend in. But there is 1 aspect of my life that does make me stand out from the million and I don’t want to be measured or compared to in that situation. But to be one of your 25, what I said above show’s integrity and courage. 

Q: Is Winning everything?

A: Depends on the definition of winning. If I learned something from a loss, I consider that a win. Winning a game feels great and I love the high you get but it’s not everything. The lessons learned, experiences, and relationships are rewards. So, if I never get to play in front of a stadium packed with cheering fans but I helped my brother by being on the practice squad…that’s winning.

So-just some basic info…I’m a 3.5 GPA student. My teachers say I’m a leader in the classroom and very hardworking. I work hard-I’m a 3 sport athlete with primary as Football. I participate in “Bear Crew” which is a club where teachers train Leaders to be Mentors to the incoming Freshman class in helping with the transition into high school. I‘m also in J.R.O.T.C. with John F. Kennedy High School since Bear Creek doesn’t have a program. Kennedy’s J.R.O.T.C. unit is a distinguished Honor Unit with Distinction limited to the top 10% of schools in the nation. It‘s also the largest in the state of Colorado with 3 regionally and nationally ranked drill teams, with which one I am part of (Men’s Drill Team).  I know my weaknesses and work hard to turn them into strengths. 

Thank you for your time and I appreciate the chance to let you know who I am.