We Speak Football
For the Island, For the Family: The Relentless Drive of Nalei Ka’apana-Suzui
Representing the Big Island with pride, Nalei Ka’apana-Suzui brings heart, grit, and resilience to the flag football field. After playing soccer for ten years, she made the switch to flag football in the summer of 2024, joining one of the few all-girls teams on the island. Now a rising competitor in Elite 7-on-7 tournaments, Nalei plays multiple positions with intensity and versatility. She suits up as a wide receiver, cornerback, and punt returner for Hilo High School, a wide receiver and corner for Hilo Queens, and takes on the roles of quarterback, wide receiver, and corner for Nawahine O Puna. Whether she’s lining up on offense or locking down on defense, she plays for her family, her team, and the place she calls home.
What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4, and after ten years of playing, I wanted to try something new and stay active once the soccer season ended and carry on the sport my dad played since childhood. My dad and others encouraged me to give flag a try, so I joined an all-girls team here on the Big Island in the summer of 2024… but most of all, all glory goes to god first.
How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Sports have helped me stay humble. Losing and making mistakes over and over again gives you the drive to break that cycle and keep pushing to improve.
How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I prepare all my gear the night before so game day is all about focus. Before the game, I distance myself from others, listen to music, stretch, talk to God, and lock in mentally.
What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
“Gravity” by NBA YoungBoy always gets me in the zone.
What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
I’m ready to ball out and not scared of anything or anyone. Win or lose, I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to play and grow.
How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
Its not easy for me to stay motivated but I like to think to myself how much ahead I’ll be of everyone I’ll be if I put in the work when no one else is and that gets me a little motivated.
Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My parents. I want to finish something my dad started but had to give up to take care of our family. They’ve sacrificed so much so that me and my siblings could have better opportunities. I push every day to give back to them.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
Self-discipline. It takes sacrifice and consistency to become the best at anything you want to do.
How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
Our coaches give us opportunities, play us on both sides of the ball, and show up consistently. They train us beyond regular practices and help get our names out there, which means a lot—especially since it’s hard to get noticed on the Big Island.
What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means everything—not just repping my team, but also my family, supporters, and where I started from.
How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
Losses sting, especially when you’ve come so far. But I bounce back by prepping for the next opportunity, watching film, and putting in more work.
What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
The mistakes and losses. I take those lessons and use them to fuel my growth for the next season.
What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I dont have a choice of college yet but I am working to get a full ride scholarship.
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I’m usually training or working, but I love going to the beach to clear my mind and spend time with the people I love.
How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
They always push me to keep working and believe in me. Their belief helps me believe in myself.
How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I stay focused and give 100% effort no matter what.
What’s your favorite route to run and why?
I run anything that’s asked of me.
What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to keep training and save money for after graduation. Long-term, I want to earn a full-ride flag football scholarship and keep doing what I love.
How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
Flag football is a team sport. If there’s no teamwork or trust, it’s hard to win. I’ve learned that from experience.
What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Go for it. It teaches you so much on and off the field, and it can open a lot of doors for your future.
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
From Preparation to Domination: Why Safety Dashaun Morris II Refuses to Be Outworked or Outshined on the Football Field
When it comes to football, few young athletes bring the same blazing passion, intensity, and razor-sharp focus as Dashaun Morris II, the undefeated #1 safety in Georgia’s Class of 2030, and a standout safety for Grayson Middle School. Known for his fearless play, sharp instincts, and relentless drive to succeed, Dashaun has already begun carving out a reputation as one of the toughest competitors on the field. As the last line of defense, he thrives under pressure—whether delivering big hits, reading the quarterback’s eyes, or stepping up in clutch moments to swing momentum in his team’s favor. Beyond his physical talent, what truly sets Dashaun apart is his unmatched work ethic and mental preparation, which make him a true leader for his teammates and a player opponents always have to account for. With a growing list of accomplishments—highlighted by his status as Georgia’s top Class of 2030 safety—and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Dashaun is proving that his name is one to remember in the world of football.
What’s your favorite thing about playing football?
I love going to war with my teammates to dominate our opponents. It’s us vs. them.
How do you get yourself in the right headspace before a game?
Listen to music and I meditate a lot.
If you could accomplish one thing before the season ends, what would it be?
I want to get a pick 6, offensive TD, and a punt return in one game.
How do you want your teammates and coaches to remember you this season?
That I’m the hardest worker and most prepared player on the field every week.
How do you push yourself when conditioning gets really tough?
I can’t let the guy next to me outwork me, so I go harder than him.
Do you have a pre-game routine or ritual?
I warm up, go over my reads, and always take a piece of grass or turf from every new stadium I go into.
What’s your proudest moment on the football field?
Actually getting my Under Armour 8th grade gold ticket invite at the UA camp.
Do you think diet makes a difference in your performance? Why or why not?
Most def, ’cause your body is your temple and you gotta feed it correctly to get it to perform.
Who’s your football role model, and what about them do you try to model your game after?
Honestly, it’s my dad who played college football at Delaware State University. He’s the most obsessed and focused athlete I’ve ever seen, so I model my preparation after him.
Which skill do you think separates you from other players at your position?
My mind. Nobody is more prepared than me. I watch so much film that throughout a game I’m knowing the majority of the offensive play calls.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone new to football, what would it be?
Don’t step on the field if you’re not willing to lay it all on the line in between the lines.
How do you handle the pressure when the game is on the line?
I just do me.
What’s the best lesson a coach has ever taught you?
You don’t always get what you deserve, and just make a play when your number is called.
How do you stay motivated to condition during the off-season?
I think about who’s out there training to dominate me, and I can’t let that happen, so I lock in.
How do you respond to trash talk on the field?
Ion really talk much. I just knock you out if the chance presents itself. I just play ball.
What matchup are you personally most looking forward to?
Looking to play Collins Hill again. Lost a close one.
Off the field, what hobbies keep you balanced outside of football?
I like to skate.
What role does your team’s energy play in keeping everyone focused during a game?
It’s important, ’cause that energy takes your game to the next level most times.
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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