Two Notre Dame signees named finalists for Polynesian HS football player of the year award
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today eight finalists for the 2024 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award on Tuesday. Two of them have already signed with Notre Dame.
They’re both linebackers, too, and Irish fans know how well Polynesian players at the position have been for Notre Dame in recent memory (Manti Te’o, Marist Liufau and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa come to mind right away).
Honolulu Punahou’s Ko’o Kia and San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra Catholic’s Madden Faraimo were the players named to the prestigious award’s finalist list. Both have been selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl, which takes place on Jan. 17. The award is expected to be announced the day after the all-star game.
The other finalists are defensive lineman Iose Epenesa (Iowa), offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu (Oregon), linebacker Cyrus Polu (Utah), quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele (Oregon), EDGE Epi Sitanilei (Ohio State), and offensive lineman Douglas Utu (Oregon).
“This award showcases the immense talent of our Polynesian student-athletes in high school football today,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman and Co-Founder, in a press release. “We congratulate each finalist and their families.”
Kia, who ranks as the nation’s No. 515 overall palyer and No. 57 linebacker in America according to the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, had a tremendous nine-game senior season, posting 96 tackles, 16 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles.
He is the younger brother of sophomore linebacker Kahanu Kia and son of former Utah defensive lineman Nate Kia.
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Kia is the eighth recruit from the Aloha State to sign with the Irish during the internet recruiting era, which dates back to 2002. He joins Kahanu Kia, defensive linemen Jordan Botelho, Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kona Schwenke, linebackers Marist Liufau and Manti Te’o and wide receiver Robby Toma.
Faraimo posted a whopping 125 tackles, 3 for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass break up, 1 forced fumble and 2 blocked field gaols during his 10-game senior campaign.
He is the No. 77 overall player and No. 4 linebacker nationally and No. 6 prospect in California in the 2025 class per the On3 Industry Ranking.
His sister, Megan, starred for UCLA’s softball team and currently plays professionally in Japan. His brother, Matthew, attended USC where he played for the Trojans’ men’s volleyball program. Faraimo’s cousin, Salo, was on the USC football team under Pete Carroll in the early 2000s.
Faraimo committed to and signed with Notre Dame over USC on National Signing Day.
