Whiz Kid: Va'a Niumatalolo

Age:  17

School:  Broadneck High School

Accomplishments:

Va'a Niumatalolo, the son of Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo and wife Barbara, is a standout football player in his own right. As a linebacker for the Broadneck Bruins, he had numerous memorable plays and successes this season (garnering a feature of him with his father in "The Washington Post" last November).

Va'a, along with his family, is deeply committed to the Mormon faith and is very active in his Annapolis church. He will be playing football for Brigham Young University next fall. He is also very active in the scouting program at the church, and will soon be earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

So, why would this 6’2”, 230 pound athlete try out for his school play?

“I had come to the play for the past three years and really enjoyed it,” said Va'a. “I thought it would be something fun to do.”

Little did he know just how much talent he had, not only in sports, but in the theater. In the upcoming school production of “West Side Story,” Va'a won one of the leading roles, playing Bernardo, Maria’s brother. The show will be performed this weekend, March 10-12, at 7 p.m.

For Va'a, stepping out of his athletic box has been a good thing. “I have made lots of new friends, a new group that I probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t auditioned.”

Said show director Emily Cory, “Va'a has such a great attitude. He takes anything we throw at him and works really hard on it. He adds such a positive energy to the group.”

Future Career: 

“I want to do something either in the medical field or end up in coaching with my dad.”