Hawaii football’s Koali Nishigaya rewarded with scholarship By Stephen Tsai
The Hawaii football team’s “spring” training ended with aha! moments for a redesigned offense, a more aggressive defense, and a scholarship for a 5-foot-7, 165-pound receiver.
During a team meeting on Thursday, Koali Nishigaya was beckoned to the front of the lecture hall with the pretense of having to sing. On the screen behind him flashed this announcement: “You’re on scholarship.” Teammates roared their approval.
“The kid’s well deserving,” coach Timmy Chang said. “I think everyone in that locker room will say ‘that kid’s deserving.’ He’s going to make plays for us in that slot situation. When guys make plays and add value, they deserve money and a scholarship.”
Even as a Saint Louis School receiver, Nishigaya said, “people doubted me. I’m small. I always had a chip on my shoulder. I was always the underdog. I tried to relish that role. Just believing in myself, trusting my technique, and relying on everything I’ve learned.”
Nishigaya said he received no football offers as a Saint Louis senior in 2020. The school’s senior prom and graduation ceremony were canceled because of the pandemic. Nishigaya joined the Warriors as a walk-on. He played in three games in 2020, catching two passes for 36 yards, and rushed for a touchdown. He suffered a broken foot in December 2021 and was not cleared to play until the middle of last season. He did not play in the regular-season finale against San Jose State to stay within the four-game limit for redshirt status.
“He probably wanted to play against San Jose State, but in the bigger picture, he trusted me,” Chang said.
Nishigaya said: “It’s been a long road, but I’m thankful my hard work paid off. I’m just grateful.”
knows the goals of the offense, gets separation, catches the ball, has speed, gets yards after catch. going to be fun this year watching the warriors. even more fun knowing a good showing will boost their pac4/mw membership.