By: Jordan Hasty – Staff Writer

Embarking on his senior year in high school, Vita Fifita’s remarkable performance on the football field as running back has left an indelible mark on Mills athletics, accompanied by greater opportunities for the senior himself. Despite the multitude of hardships Fifita was forced to endure early on in his childhood, his love for the sport has always managed to shine through. Prior to being on the Mills High School football team for all four years, he started to fall in love with the sport. He began by playing for small teams in the fifth grade at age 12. After playing for just one year, things began to fall into place. As he described, “It was in 6th grade when I knew I found my dream sport” — his avidity for the activity was clear. Since being a small child, Fifita found himself looking up to Marshawn Lynch. “We had similar childhoods” he explained.  No matter the upbringing, no matter how bad the situation, “you can always find the courage to make it out.” Similarly, Lynch grew up raised by his mother, picking up football at a young age. The parallels between their lives brought comfort to Vita, knowing that he was not the only one dreaming big, yet simultaneously experiencing great hardships. Viewing Lynch’s accomplishments was often on Fifita’s agenda in his youth, striving to do great]things. The motivation that Vita fostered and accumulated over time is what he believes led him to where he is today.

In terms of recruiting evaluations, many individuals have always wondered: “how exactly does a high school football player stand out from the millions of other players and get recruited?” Players are heavily evaluated. While searching for prospects, evaluators primarily search for connections, speed, athleticism, strength, technique, and potential. With all being considered, it is necessary for the player to assess his own strengths, consider his weaknesses, and improve his skills further. But what makes a player special? Confident in his ability, the player does not believe he inhabits any weaknesses, as he is felicitous to any position he is placed in on the field. This strong mentality stems from the first major obstacle that he encountered in 7th grade, when Vita broke his knee during a game. “I thought that was it for me” he explained, “but I didn’t give up there— it made me work harder.” If not for his inspiration, the likelihood of Fifita giving up then would have been far greater. In undergoing this process, Vita has found his mantra — “to be the best, you must be able to handle the worst.” The affirmation serves to remind him that even during the most dim moments, when he is ultimately feeling defeated, he has the undeniable grit to continue forward, which is what makes him special. Currently, Vita plays for the West Coast Islanders, a youth football organization whose primary goal is to provide an enjoyable and structured environment for all youth to lead an active lifestyle through sport participation. While being drastically different from playing on a high school team, Fifita enjoys being part of a large team, collectively committed to the sport. 

Beyond high school, Fifita’s next step in his football career is vital. For him, this means applying to college to qualify for the NFL draft.  When deciding where to apply, the player must examine their football teams and their educational resources, taking into account what would be the most proper fit. This can also take place in the form of college coaches, who contact the athlete’s residence for recruiting. Most often, recruiters study footage of players on the field, where they will then evaluate the individual to determine whether he is unfit or suitable to join their team. Aside from the players skill set, a player must comply with the set education requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Choosing a college with a team best suitable for the player is not an easy process to undergo, requiring intentional thinking about what institution will inhabit a strong, motivated team alongside a good quality academic program. Currently, the University of Oregon inhabits those qualities.  They strive to create a supportive, family-like environment, recruiting student-athletes who are academically prepared and providing facilities to enhance physical fitness and wellness to all. The high standards of sportsmanship, leadership, and respect for diversity makes the Oregon Ducks the optimal football team for him. With a mere 5.8% high school seniors making it to the NFL after college, Vita Fifita is determined to become part of that statistic.

From facing a disheartening knee injury to battling personal interferences, Vita Fifita has persevered through each endeavor, leaving a stronger and more determined player. While no one enjoys obstacles, challenges can be rewarding in more ways than what meets the eye. Crises test your mettle. They strip away facades to reveal what you can and can’t do amidst high-pressure situations. They present the opportunity to reach inside and find new reserves, and ways to succeed lie within them. Each individual has the potential to do outstanding things and create brilliant futures for themselves. Delve deeper, what may be holding you back can actually be what will spring you forward and make you stronger.