In a remarkable fusion of talent and cultural pride, two 17-year-old Fijian athletes are making significant strides in Hawaii’s high school football scene, traditionally dominated by Polynesians like Samoans and Tongans. Genesis Stice and Kekoa Koong, once teammates at Kapolei High School, now find themselves as competitors—Stice as a linebacker for Kapolei and Koong as the starting quarterback for Mililani High School. While their sports performances stand out, it is their deep commitment to their Fijian heritage that truly distinguishes them.
Genesis Stice, whose familial roots are in Naqere Estate on Vanua Levu, has introduced a unique cultural element to Kapolei’s varsity team in the form of the Fijian chant-prayer, Noqu Masu. This prayer has been embraced by the team, serving as a pre-game ritual that embodies both faith and unity, blending sportsmanship with tradition. Simultaneously, Kekoa Koong, connected maternally to Rotuma, proudly carries forward his cultural heritage as he leads Mililani’s team, one of Hawaii’s top sports programs.
Recently, Kapolei High School marked a historic milestone by becoming the first Hawaiian high school football team to play on the East Coast against the nationally ranked St. John’s College High School. This monumental trip included a visit to the U.S. Capitol, where Senator Brian Schatz welcomed the team. A particularly poignant moment was captured when Stice led his teammates in singing Noqu Masu on the Capitol steps, a moment that resonated widely after being shared on social media by the senator.
Stice and Koong’s journeys underscore a broader narrative of young athletes who embrace and highlight their cultural roots while pursuing sporting excellence, echoing the paths of other Fijian athletes in rugby and other sports arenas. Their achievements symbolize the rich cultural tapestry emerging from Pacific Island communities, illustrating a trend where youth leverage their sports platforms to celebrate and promote their heritage on the global stage.
This story transcends mere sporting accomplishment, showcasing how cultural heritage can enrich the competitive spirit and foster camaraderie in sports. It reinforces the notion that sports are a pursuit not only of excellence but also of cultural expression. As Stice and Koong continue to inspire on and off the field, they set a path of hope and pride, paving the way for future generations of athletes who will proudly carry their distinct cultures into their athletic pursuits.