THE HISTORY BEHIND SAPOLU DESTINED ACADEMY

A Foundation to Building Excellence in Education and Sports

What Our Families Say About Sapolu Destined Academy

At Sapolu Destined Academy, we pride ourselves on the positive impact we have on both our students and their families. Our unique blend of middle school academics and elite sports training has helped countless students achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and on the field. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from the families who have experienced firsthand what makes SDA a special place for their child’s education and athletic development.

Read through some of our testimonials to see how Sapolu Destined Academy has shaped the lives of students and helped them succeed.

The best decision we made this year was enrolling Brady at SDA. In just a couple of months, we have seen his confidence grow in every aspect of his life.
Academically, the small classes and passionate teachers set SDA apart from other schools. Our son is able to talk to his teachers in class, during office hours, and has utilized the study hall time to get extra help before tests.
Communication from teachers to parents is quick and thorough.
We know that the teachers want the students to excel academically, but also want them to feel comfortable coming to them when the students are struggling. That is a very difficult task for many middle school students and the teachers at SDA nurture a welcoming environment to help ease that stress.
Athletically, the training is top tier. Our son is so excited to tell us what Jesse taught him that day or the lifting Coach Steele had them doing. He was thrilled to see a “2 pack” from his training. (That’s a big deal to a middle school lineman).
We love that the training is in the morning before academics because it helps get their mind and body ready to learn.
Everyone who works at SDA is welcoming, caring, hard working, and you can tell their purpose in life is to help shape the overall people these student athletes will become."
As a first generation Samoan-American, born and raised in the city of Compton, California, the odds were stacked against me but each…day that my mom would take me to…training sessions, I learned something new about the game but more importantly what it really meant to be a man.
By the end of my high school career, I received a Division 1, full ride scholarship to play at Delaware State University…Now I’m the first in my family to play football, graduate high school and the first to move across the state to attend and graduate college.
My oldest son was destined to be an average high school football player. After spending five years of off season training with Coach Jesse and the team of excellent coaches…my son was subsequently awarded a full athletic scholarship to the University of Washington.
Coach Jesse helped prepare him for life after football as he was made well aware of the fact that most players after college are finished. My son took this thinking to heart, and wanting to give back, proceeded into the world of coaching. He is currently an assistant coach, as well as the Recruiting Coordinator, at the college level a mere five years after his playing days ended.
Coach Sapolu was not only the first coach to see potential in me for football but also helped me believe in my own potential. This led to me working harder and aspiring to greater heights ultimately resulting in walking on at UCLA when my only goal was to be a high school starter.
The positive yet straightforward training/guidance my son received…propelled him to a great High School career. Ultimately earning himself a DIV 1 football scholarship to The University of Southern California (USC).
Our experience with Coach Jesse and his entire staff beyond exceeded any expectations. The pride in culture, respect, and hard work are embodied by all members of the staff. High level quality coaching is unmatched. There is a perfect balance between fundamental training and effective feedback from the coaches no matter your current skill level. Coach Jesse uses a proven system to take your kid to the next level. You can tell this is where his heart is. Looking forward to next year.
Coach Jesse, the…coaches & staff have always taught more than football. They're always happy, supportive, & encouraging…Having my two boys grow up in MITT, Coach Jesse & coaches/staff are more than "just coaches", they are an extension to our family. Attending my boys' games & family events. That's a great foundation & example of positivity and support.
The coaches were patient with me and provided good coaching…I hope to attend more camps in the future. Thank you so much Coach Jesse and the entire coaching staff. I greatly appreciate your time, dedication, knowledge and love shown at the camps. Definitely a great experience and would highly recommend to other athletes.

Sapolu Destined Academy was founded in Orange County, California, to provide a unique blend of elite sports training and exceptional academic education, creating an environment where students can excel in both realms. As a distinguished , SDA is the culmination of a vision shared by Jesse and Lisa Sapolu. With deep roots in athletics and a commitment to nurturing future leaders, the academy emphasizes the development of both the mind and body through a rigorous academic curriculum and top-tier sports programs.

Inspired by Jesse Sapolu’s journey from his humble beginnings in Samoa to becoming a four-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers, the academy embodies the principles of hard work, discipline, and resilience. While Jesse’s success in the NFL serves as an inspiration, the core mission of the academy is to instill these values in every student who walks through its doors.

At Sapolu Destined Academy, students benefit from a high-tech learning environment and personalized athletic training, preparing them to meet the challenges of both higher education and competitive sports. The academy has become a premier destination for families looking to provide their children with a holistic education that prioritizes both academic excellence and athletic achievement.

Jesse Sapolu

Founder of Sapolu Destined Academy and NFL Legend

NFL Career Highlights:​

Played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1983 to 1997

Won four Super Bowls (XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)

Two-time Pro Bowl selection

Known for his versatility as both a guard and center

The Sapolu Destined Academy was founded by Jesse Sapolu, a former NFL star and four-time Super Bowl champion. Born in Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Jesse’s journey from a small village to the pinnacle of professional football is an inspiring story of perseverance and hard work.

Life After Football

Jesse’s commitment to supporting young athletes didn’t end with his football career. He co-founded the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, celebrating the achievements of Polynesian players. He also runs Sapolu Men In the Trenches (MITT), a specialized camp for developing offensive and defensive linemen.

Learn more about Jesse’s work

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

Sapolu Destined Academy

Jesse and his wife, Lisa Sapolu, founded Sapolu Destined Academy in Fall 2024 to combine elite athletic training with a strong academic foundation. Their goal is to create a supportive environment where students can excel in both sports and academics, building life skills and resilience.

Through initiatives like Goodwill Mission Trips and connections to the Polynesian Bowl, Jesse continues to inspire and mentor young athletes around the world.

Mission and Vision at SDA

Empowering Future Leaders

Mission

At Sapolu Destined Academy, our mission is to prepare our students for leadership and success in their future endeavors. Rooted in traditional values, we embrace the power of educational-based technology and cultivate a comprehensive educational experience that promotes excellence and nurtures essential life skills. We recognize the transformative power of sports and athletics in a student’s life, integrating elite athletic training into our curriculum to develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Vision

We envision a world-class educational institution that seamlessly integrates elite athletic training with exceptional traditional education. By extending our reach to international students, we aim to create a diverse, inclusive community that prepares all our students to thrive in a global, ever-changing world.

Our purpose is to cultivate future leaders who excel both in academics and sports. We are committed to fostering an environment where students develop critical thinking, resilience, and leadership skills that will empower them to succeed in every aspect of life and equip them with the tools they need to thrive long after their time in sports and school has ended.

At Sapolu Destined Academy, our purpose and core values guide us in providing a transformative educational experience that prepares our students for a future of leadership, excellence, cultural sensitivity, and holistic well-being.

  • Student-Centered Approach: At Sapolu Destined Academy, our purpose is to place students at the center of everything we do. We prioritize their well-being, growth, and development, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and support. We believe in cultivating an environment that fosters a love for learning, encourages curiosity, and promotes intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
  • Excellence in Education: We are committed to providing an excellent education that goes beyond academic achievements. Our core values emphasize the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of student life. We strive to instill in our students a strong work ethic, a passion for knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We encourage them to set high standards for themselves and to consistently strive to surpass those standards.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: We value and celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our students and staff. We believe that cultural sensitivity enriches the learning environment and prepares students for success in a global society. We promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and appreciation for different cultures, ensuring that all members of our community feel valued, respected, and understood.
  • Ethical Leadership: We are dedicated to nurturing ethical leaders who demonstrate integrity, empathy, and compassion. We believe in instilling strong moral values and ethical principles in our students, equipping them with the skills to make responsible decisions and act as positive agents of change. Our goal is to develop leaders who will contribute meaningfully to their communities’ while being aware and respectful of diverse cultural perspectives.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: We recognize the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success. We foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages students to work together, respect diverse perspectives, and leverage the collective intelligence of the community. We believe that by promoting collaboration, our students develop essential skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability while appreciating and learning from different cultural backgrounds.

Lifelong Learning: We believe in fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our core values emphasize the importance of continuous personal and intellectual growth. We encourage our students to become lifelong learners who seek knowledge, embrace challenges, and adapt to new situations. We provide them with the tools and opportunities to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become independent, self-directed learners who appreciate and value the richness of cultural diversity.

Meet the Faculty at Sapolu Destined Academy

At Sapolu Destined Academy, our dedicated faculty and staff are at the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that balances middle school academics with elite sports training. Our educators are not just teachers—they are mentors and leaders, guiding students to excel in both the classroom and on the field.

With a passion for student development, our faculty fosters a nurturing environment where academic excellence and athletic success are encouraged. We invite you to meet the dedicated professionals who make Sapolu Destined Academy a place where every student thrives.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Governing Board at Sapolu Destined Academy

The Governing Board at Sapolu Destined Academy plays a crucial role in shaping the vision and direction of our school. Comprised of dedicated leaders who are passionate about education and athletics, the board ensures that our middle school academy continues to thrive both academically and athletically.

Their expertise and guidance help maintain the high standards we set for academic excellence and elite sports training, fostering an environment where every student can succeed. Meet the individuals who are committed to driving the success of Sapolu Destined Academy and supporting the growth of our students.

Meet the Governing Board Members