We Speak Football
Breeana Higa: Island Roots, Big Dreams, and a Relentless Drive to Compete

Breeana Higa is a passionate and fearless athlete making waves in the world of flag football and 7-on-7. Hailing from Hawaii, she brings heart, hustle, and purpose to every snap she plays. As a key player for Rooted Football Hawai’i, Breeana lines up at linebacker, center, and occasionally wide receiver—proving her versatility and toughness on both sides of the ball. What started as a simple desire to try something new quickly became a calling. Now, Breeana is determined to represent her island with pride, break barriers for Hawaii girls in the sport, and chase her dream of one day making it to the Olympic stage.
What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I started off as a cheerleader and baseball player, but I wanted to try something new. So, I joined a boys’ pylon and tackle team. As time went on, I got invited to an all-girls flag football team, and that’s when everything started to fall into place.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
It taught me discipline and to never settle for just “good.” It pushed me to always want more for myself.
How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I pray with my team, listen to music, and take some time to just reflect and think to myself.
What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I usually listen to Rod Wave or “Trust in God” by Chris Brown and Isaiah Templeton. Those songs help me get locked in.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset is to do better for my team, be better for myself, and win. I don’t ever want the win to come easy for the other team, even if they get it.
How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I think about how much harder it is for us island kids to get noticed. If I sit around and do nothing, then nothing changes.
Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence is myself. When we win, everyone’s quick to congratulate me. But when we lose, it’s usually just us with ourselves. That keeps me accountable.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
You just got to ball—regardless. No excuses.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
They teach me discipline, the importance of hard work, and that nothing worth having comes easy.
What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means a lot. Hawai’i girls don’t get to experience these opportunities often because traveling is expensive. So when we do get to play, we make sure we don’t waste it. We ball out for the name on the front, so people remember the name on the back.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
Depending on how big the loss is, I take a little time to reflect. We haven’t lost too much, but every game teaches us something—win or lose.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
God and my family. They’re the reason I keep pushing.
What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I would love to play for Ottawa University.
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I like to watch kids and help coach the little ones on my old team. Giving back is fun for me.
How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and person?
They’ve taught me to ignore the negativity and to work on being better during my own time, so I’m ready when the lights are on and people are watching.
How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I use it to fuel me. Pressure makes me angry in a good way—it brings out my aggressive side on the field.
What’s your favorite route to run and why?
A post or an out route—because they’re usually always open, and I love making plays.
What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
In the short term, I want to keep improving and compete at the highest level possible. Long term, I hope to make the Olympic team and put Hawai’i girls on the map.
How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
We bond on and off the field. It comes naturally because we treat each other like sisters.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Just put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid. Keep working and trust that your time will come. You’ll be great if you stay true to the grind.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
We Speak Football
Reading the Field, Breaking Down Defenses, Leading the Future: Inside Jamari Walker’s Mindset

Jamari Walker is more than just a rising football talent. He’s a dedicated young leader with a relentless drive to be great in every area of life. From the moment he stepped on the field, Jamari showed an uncommon blend of poise, athleticism, and intelligence that set him apart from his peers. Whether he’s commanding the offense as a quarterback or breaking down film to sharpen his football IQ, Jamari approaches the game with maturity well beyond his years. But what truly defines him is his discipline and the balance he maintains between sports, school, and personal growth. With a structured routine that prioritizes academics and strong support from his coaches and mentors, Jamari continues to develop into a well-rounded athlete and person. His off-season work ethic, commitment to continuous improvement, and natural leadership make him a standout both on and off the field. As he trains, competes, and builds toward his goals, one thing is clear. Jamari Walker isn’t just preparing for the next season, he’s preparing to leave a legacy.

How do you balance training with academics and personal life?
For Jamari, balance starts with structure and support. We keep a consistent schedule that prioritizes school first. Academics are non-negotiable. Training sessions are built around his schoolwork and family time, not the other way around. We also make sure Jamari has time to just be a kid, whether that’s hanging out with friends, playing video games, or relaxing. It’s all about helping him grow not just as an athlete, but as a well-rounded young man.
Are you attending any camps or combines to gain exposure?
Yes, Jamari regularly attends top camps and combines throughout the year to sharpen his skills and gain national exposure. He’s competed in events like the RNR Top 100, where he earned MVP honors, and other elite showcases that bring together some of the best young talent in the country. These opportunities not only push him to compete at a high level, but also help him build relationships and get recognized by coaches and brands.
Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
During the off-season, Jamari trains with a strong team that’s fully invested in his development. He works closely with Len Grant, his quarterback coach and head coach, who played the position himself and helps sharpen Jamari’s mechanics, leadership, and decision-making. On the defensive side, Roosevelt Martin, who played at a high level, mentors Jamari on reading coverages and understanding the game from all angles. He also trains regularly with a dedicated speed and conditioning coach to stay fast, explosive, and durable year-round. With this kind of support, Jamari’s always learning and leveling up.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
In the off-season, Jamari stays in shape by working consistently with Coach Roosevelt Martin, who handles his speed, strength, and conditioning. They focus on explosive movements, agility, and overall athletic performance to keep him game-ready year-round. Whether it’s drills, footwork, or recovery work, Coach Martin makes sure Jamari is not just staying active, but improving every week. The goal is to come back each season stronger, faster, and more prepared than the last.
What specific goals have you set for yourself before next season?
Before next season, Jamari’s focused on a few key goals. First, he wants to help lead his team back to the Super Bowl and bring home another championship. He’s also working on becoming the best leader he can be on and off the field by encouraging his teammates and setting the example. Staying a student of the game is a big priority too, always learning and getting better. But most importantly, he wants to keep having fun and enjoying every moment of the journey.
Are you working on any particular skills or techniques right now?
Right now, Jamari’s focused on getting better in every area of his game. Whether it’s footwork, throwing mechanics, reading defenses, or leadership, he’s always working to level up. He knows there’s always room to grow, so the goal is to sharpen everything, not just one skill, and become a more complete quarterback every time he steps on the field.

What part of your game do you think improved most last season?
Last season, the biggest improvements in Jamari’s game were his confidence and awareness. He really started to take control of the offense, make smarter decisions, and stay calm under pressure. His ability to read the field and understand what the defense was doing took a big step forward, and that helped him play faster and more confidently every game.
What lessons did you take away from last season?
One of the biggest lessons Jamari took away from last season is that preparation and mindset matter just as much as talent. He learned that every game won’t go perfectly, but how you respond, whether it’s bouncing back from a mistake or staying focused when you’re ahead, makes all the difference. He also learned the value of leadership, staying positive, and always putting the team first.
Is there a moment from last season that stands out to you?
The moment that stands out most from last season was the Super Bowl. All the hard work, practices, and ups and downs of the season led up to that game. Jamari stepped up as a leader and gave it everything he had. Being able to compete at the highest level and come out on top with his team was an unforgettable experience and it motivated him to work even harder for next season.
What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
I want to be great.

How do you stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played?
Jamari stays mentally sharp in the off-season by staying locked in with film study, going over past games, and learning from both the good and the bad. He also works on his playbook, studies defenses, and talks through situations with his coaches. Off the field, he keeps a positive mindset by staying disciplined, setting goals, and surrounding himself with people who push him to be his best, even when there’s no game on the line.
Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
Yes, Jamari watches a lot of football and studies both pro and college quarterbacks for inspiration. He looks up to guys like Lamar Jackson for his playmaking ability, Cam Newton for his energy and leadership, and Peyton Manning for how he reads defenses and controls the game. He also watches Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders to see how younger QBs are dominating at the college level. He picks up little things from each of them to add to his own game.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.
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