MR says: Ali'i Niumatalolo has drawn quite the attention by choosing to serve a mission and put his college football career on hold, something which has allowed him to share his faith just like his father did in Meet the Mormons.
Broadneck All-Metro linebacker Ali'i Niumatalolo loves football as much as any high school player.
The son of Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, he has been immersed in the game his entire life. He followed his brother Va'a into the sport and decided five years ago, during Va'a's recruiting process, that he too wanted to play Division I football.
Three weeks ago, Ali'i committed to Boise State — but with one stipulation. He will defer enrollment until 2018.
Instead of heading to Boise, Idaho, next fall, Ali'i could be anywhere in the world, facing a different transition into adulthood.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ali'i will depart in August for a two-year mission.
"It's two years where you're sent off somewhere — really anywhere, except for places obviously like North Korea — where you serve and you teach about Christ and about our religion. It's basically just two years outside of yourself," Ali'i said.
Lead image from The Baltimore Sun.
Own Meet the Mormons for yourself!
Meet the Mormons examines the very diverse lives of six devout members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From their individual passions to their daily struggles, each story paints a picture as rich and unique as the next while challenging the stereotypes that surround the Mormon faith.
