Anaulei Tuivai '20 Recruiting Profile

Hard work, commitment, and discipline has been my focus since I started playing basketball two years ago.  My name is Anaulei Tuivai, I am entering my freshmen year of high school in the upcoming fall.  I was recently accepted into Seabury Hall High School which is a private college preparatory school here on the island of Maui.  I was also awarded a four year scholarship which is given to only one incoming freshmen student every year.  It is a very competitive scholarship and I am very grateful for the opportunity. 

What makes me different?  My genetics, my humble upbringing, my faith, I like to help people, and my passion for basketball.  Both my parents were athletes, my mom played volleyball and my dad played rugby internationally. During my elementary school years, I was not involved with any sports.  My parents pushed me, but I resisted every step of the way.    I was the big kid on the court that no one wanted on their team.  Until one day, a coach from a local basketball club approached me at school and asked if I played basketball?  He invited me to a practice and the rest was history.  I haven't stopped ever since!  My parents were very happy that I found a sport that I had passion for.  Over that past 2 years, my mom has also helped me to understand the true meaning of Student- Athlete...she always says, " You're a Student First!"  My academics are very important to me and receiving a 4 year scholarship to a college prep high school has been a blessing.  I will do my very best to uphold the responsibility of such a huge blessing and I hope that it will allow me to grow and become a better person.  Sometimes I can be very hard on myself, as my mom & coach will tell me, but I just remind myself that I don't have to be the best.  I just need to do MY BEST!   

On the court, I feel I can be me! Play hard, play strong, and leave it all on the court.  Off the court, I'm more of an observer.  I like to read, listen to music, and spend time with my animals.  

Why would I be a good candidate?  I'm a leader and I like to lead by example.  I also have a lot of respect for my coaches...I've never questioned a coach or gave an attitude.  I am willing to train hard and do what it takes to help my team.  Two things that Polynesian Athletes have is a lot of heart and our team is our family!  We thrive in groups of people and work well with others.