“I’ve played with [my cousin] since I was a kid, and he’s always been my equal. He’s always pushed me to be better.” Inspired by his older cousins and father, Evaimalo Ama started playing football at five years old. He played for the East Palo Alto Mastodons through elementary and middle school. Since then, Ama has become a competitive running back on the M-A football team.
Ama knew that to succeed in high school football, he needed to improve his performance. “It was a big turnaround since eighth grade because it didn’t prepare me, with COVID happening. So going into my freshman year, I had to step up my game,” Ama said. He started on M-A’s freshman football team, pushed himself daily, and earned a spot on Varsity by sophomore year.
Simultaneously, Ama is pursuing his passion for rugby. Recruited by his friends freshman year, he joined the East Palo Alto Razorhawks as a fullback and scrumhalf. Ama is no stranger to high intensity training, practicing three days a week during rugby season and Monday through Thursday during football season.
Ama’s true love for football didn’t develop until junior year. “My junior year, we had a great team—all my senior friends really helped us, and we did good last year. I really miss that team because that’s when I started to love football,” Ama said.
One of his favorite memories from that season was playing against Menlo School. “When we beat Menlo—that was my best game. It felt good because my sophomore year we lost and I helped the team a lot that game,” he said.
Now, as one of 14 seniors on the team, Ama is stepping into a leadership role. “I’m a vocal leader, and I help them on the field too,” he said. Along with mentoring younger teammates, Ama shares the field with his family. “I have three cousins on varsity, and my little brother is a freshman.”
Family is a major influence in Ama’s life, with two cousins playing particularly impactful roles. “I always looked up to my cousin Tay for football; he always pushed me. And for rugby, my cousin Drew helped me get better at the game and taught me a lot,” Ama said.
With strong support from both cousins, Ama has always had a steady source of motivation and guidance throughout his journey. But now focusing more on rugby, Ama is still getting the same encouraging support from his parents as well. “Moral support from family helped me a lot. My mom and dad are very supportive of me, and I thank them for everything. After every game, I go up to my mom and I always give her a hug,” he said.
Ama values the strong bond he shares with his teammates, and for him, maintaining a balance between seriousness and fun is just as important as performance on the field. “This team is pretty close and we goof around a lot,” Ama said.
For Ama, the love for rugby came easier than football. With consistent involvement with the team and more opportunities to handle the ball, the sport created a more engaging and dynamic experience for Ama. “Everyone gets to touch the ball and something to do. Without one person the whole team can go down, like a chain,” he said.
With the deep connections he shares with his teammates, Ama is able to thrive on the field. “It’s fun with all my friends, like a big friend group playing one sport. That’s what made me fall in love with rugby,” Ama said.
Ama is currently sidelined with a high ankle sprain sustained from a miscalculated tackle—an untimely setback in an otherwise promising season. Though unable to play, Ama is recovering fast and is expected to be back on the field in two weeks. He continues to bring a bright presence on the sideline by supporting his teammates with the same enthusiasm he brings to the field.
After graduation, Ama is uncertain whether he’ll continue his football career in college or explore other opportunities. Ama is considering pursuing his strong passion for rugby and is attending recruitment camps in October.
While sports have played a big role in his life, he’s also excited by the idea of stepping outside his comfort zone and exploring the world. “I might look into rugby or find a good job and make money and travel the world,” Ama said.
No matter where he ends up, Ama said he will always have a special place in his heart for the M-A football team and the Razorhawks. He advises incoming freshmen to stay dedicated to their passions: “Make the most out of your dreams and always stay on the grind. I made that mistake in my high school career and I don’t want anyone to do the same,” Ama said.
