Faculty Staff

Jesse Sapolu

Founder

After a standout collegiate career at the University of Hawai’i, Jesse Sapolu embarked on a nearly 15-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers during their dynasty years of the 80s and 90s, winning four Super Bowl championships. After retiring at age 36, Sapolu began coaching his sons, which naturally evolved into the founding of Men in the Trenches Academy (MITT). MITT specializes in training offensive and defensive linemen in the fundamentals needed to excel at their positions, helping many athletes earn college scholarships and even reach the NFL.

Drawing from his experiences as a student-athlete and professional athlete, Sapolu recognized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and structure in shaping both athletic and personal success. With these values in mind, he established Sapolu Destined Academy, a future 6-12 grade school dedicated to providing top-tier education alongside elite athletic training. His goal is to mold student-athletes who not only excel on the field and in the classroom but also develop the character needed to succeed in life.

In addition to his work with MITT and Sapolu Destined Academy, Sapolu co-founded the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame and Polynesian Bowl. He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Southern California, where he continues to remain active in the community and with the San Francisco 49ers alumni network.

Lisa Sapolu

Founder and CFO

Lisa Sapolu is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sapolu Destined Academy, bringing extensive leadership and financial management experience to the education space. She oversees the academy’s operations, including budgeting, payroll, and scholarship allocation, ensuring the school’s financial stability and smooth daily operations. Her background in management, sales, and entrepreneurship supports her ability to foster an environment where students and staff can thrive.

Before founding Sapolu Destined Academy, Lisa built a career in the financial services industry, holding senior positions in mortgage lending and insurance. As the owner of Sapolu & Long Insurance Agency, she continues to serve NFL athletes, families, and Division 1 athletes, promoting financial literacy and legacy planning. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also reflected in her long-time role with Men in the Trenches (MITT), where she manages business development and financial operations for the specialized football athlete training program.

With a background in business education from the University of Phoenix and various professional certifications in real estate, finance, and insurance, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to her leadership roles. She is passionate about empowering students to excel both academically and athletically, ensuring Sapolu Destined Academy provides them with the tools to succeed.

Lila Sapolu

Principal

Lila joins Sapolu Destined Academy with over 10 years of administrative experience in health and higher education. Her extensive operational and administrative work at UC Irvine, combined with 13 years as the Director of Operations for Sapolu Men in the Trenches Lineman Academy, provides a unique blend of expertise in both sports and education administration. She holds a degree in Marketing and a master’s in Health Administration, both of which are vital to our business.

Corinne Sapolu

Director of Academics and Human Resources

Corinne Sapolu is a seasoned human resources professional with extensive experience in recruitment, operations, and process improvement across various industries. She brings her expertise in streamlining workflows, enhancing employee engagement, and building strong relationships to the education space, helping to create positive, efficient environments for staff and students alike. Corinne holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in HR Management. She is passionate about fostering meaningful experiences that support growth and collaboration.

John Arredondo

Teacher and Director of Player Personnel

Coach Arredondo has been coaching and teaching for 32 years at the high school and college levels. Most recently at Santa Margarita Catholic High School of the Trinity League where he taught for the last 10 years and was the Defensive Coordinator. Coach Arredondo comes to SDA with a vast knowledge of football having coached all the positions over the years. He has placed several of his student/athletes at all levels of Football including Division 1 and the NFL. He has been blessed with three daughters and currently resides in Anaheim with his wife Monica.

Sisilia Fe’esago

Teacher

Hello my name is Sisilia Fe’esago and I am the Samoan Teacher for Sapolu Destined Academy. I have worked in the corporate environment for 32 years and bring vast experience in interacting with different levels of people. I am fluent in Samoan. and enjoy sharing my culture and language with our students.

Donna Ka’anoi

Teacher and Coach

Hi! My name is Donna Ka’anoi and I am a teacher and coach here at Sapolu Destined Academy. I am teaching Algebra 1, 6th grade Math, English, and History. In addition to classroom teaching, I coach the girls’ flag football and have a background in coaching basketball and playing flag football. With a teaching degree in multiple subjects (K-8) playing multiple sports at high-levels, as well as coaching, I bring dedication and skill to both academic and athletic development.

Andrew Keiler

Teacher

Andrew Keiler has worked as a teacher in California since 2001. He has educated students on the middle school, high school, and adult school levels in a wide range of subjects, including this year in Math, Life Science, Physical Science, and English. He graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, GA in 1999, majoring in English and Creative Writing. Andrew has played and coached multiple sports including tennis, baseball, and basketball.

Calvin Pennix

Teacher and Coach

Calvin Pennix is a career educator and coach. As an educator, he has taught at multiple levels and multiple subjects from middle school to college. As a coach, he has experience from youth to the college level. Calvin is also a published writer and visual artist. He currently resides in Mission Viejo with his wife and two children.

Steve Ramirez

Director of Admissions

My name is Steve Ramirez, and I proudly serve as the Director of Admissions at SDA. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, my background is rooted in student affairs and enrollment management. I’ve always been passionate about improving lives through education. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the talented students and dedicated team at Sapolu Destined Academy, where we’re transforming the future, one child and family at a time.

Eddie Steele

Coach

Coach Eddie Steele – Founder and Head Coach Eddie Steele is a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with a distinguished background in sports and fitness. A former football player at Humboldt State, Coach Steele earned a degree in Kinesiology and, later, a business management degree from Azusa Pacific University.

With over twenty years of experience in Orange County, he founded Steele Fitness and has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous athletic teams. At Canyon High School, Coach Steele made significant contributions to the football, cross country, track and field, basketball, and water polo programs. His expertise also extends to Golden West College, where he spent a decade working under Head Coach Nick Mitchell. At Newport Harbor High School, Coach Steele worked closely with the football, boys and girls lacrosse, boys soccer, and boys and girls tennis teams.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Coach Steele is a proud father of two sons who played D1 football and a daughter who excels in volleyball. Known for his ability to elevate his athletes both on and off the field, Coach Steele is celebrated for fostering excellence and instilling values that resonate throughout the broader school environment—lessons his athletes carry with them for a lifetime.

Shiloah Te’o

Teacher and Coach

I am a highly motivated and passionate individual who is in my first year as a teacher here at SDA. I have a Bachelors of Science degree from Oregon State University in Liberal Studies. I’m a former D1 athlete who played Safety/Linebacker at BYU then Oregon State. I jumped into coaching the sport I love at the High School level immediately after college and never looked back. I’m currently the freshman head coach in the Trinity League. I have mentored numerous top athletes in Southern California for the past 8 years who are now excelling on and off the field at various prominent universities. I currently reside in Lake Elsinore, California with my wife Alexis and five children Seanoa, Teuila, Sidon, Malaki, and Maui.

Board Members

Jesse Sapolu

Founder

After a standout collegiate career at the University of Hawai’i, Jesse Sapolu embarked on a nearly 15-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers during their dynasty years of the 80s and 90s, winning four Super Bowl championships. After retiring at age 36, Sapolu began coaching his sons, which naturally evolved into the founding of Men in the Trenches Academy (MITT). MITT specializes in training offensive and defensive linemen in the fundamentals needed to excel at their positions, helping many athletes earn college scholarships and even reach the NFL.

Drawing from his experiences as a student-athlete and professional athlete, Sapolu recognized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and structure in shaping both athletic and personal success. With these values in mind, he established Sapolu Destined Academy, a future 6-12 grade school dedicated to providing top-tier education alongside elite athletic training. His goal is to mold student-athletes who not only excel on the field and in the classroom but also develop the character needed to succeed in life.

In addition to his work with MITT and Sapolu Destined Academy, Sapolu co-founded the Polynesian Pro Football Hall of Fame and Polynesian Bowl. He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Southern California, where he continues to remain active in the community and with the San Francisco 49ers alumni network.

Lisa Sapolu

Founder and CFO

Lisa Sapolu is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sapolu Destined Academy, bringing extensive leadership and financial management experience to the education space. She oversees the academy’s operations, including budgeting, payroll, and scholarship allocation, ensuring the school’s financial stability and smooth daily operations. Her background in management, sales, and entrepreneurship supports her ability to foster an environment where students and staff can thrive.

Before founding Sapolu Destined Academy, Lisa built a career in the financial services industry, holding senior positions in mortgage lending and insurance. As the owner of Sapolu & Long Insurance Agency, she continues to serve NFL athletes, families, and Division 1 athletes, promoting financial literacy and legacy planning. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also reflected in her long-time role with Men in the Trenches (MITT), where she manages business development and financial operations for the specialized football athlete training program.

With a background in business education from the University of Phoenix and various professional certifications in real estate, finance, and insurance, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to her leadership roles. She is passionate about empowering students to excel both academically and athletically, ensuring Sapolu Destined Academy provides them with the tools to succeed.

Dr. Kirk Bauermeister

Dr. Kirk Bauermeister recently retired after 45 years of service to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and Community, serving the past twenty-two years as an administrator in NMUSD.  He earned his B.A in history at California State University at Long Beach, his teaching credential at Southern California College (Now Vanguard University), his Master’s Degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Educational Leadership and his Doctorate from the University of La Verne in Organizational Leadership.   He has had an extensive background in coaching, from athletics, to coaching teachers and administrators, earning a reputation for helping to create systems to move schools and people forward.   He served as a principal in NMUSD for 13 years and helped three schools exist program improvement.   He spent seven years working as Executive Directors of Secondary Education, coaching NMUSD principals to focus their efforts to prioritize the most important work to be done.    He was also recognized for his mentoring of principals by ACSA with the Tracy Gaffey Award in 2016.

He believes that everyone gets better when leaders get better and that focusing on the most important things and having a clear mission and vision, is critical to improving student achievement and schools.

Kawehi Gonzalez

Kawehi has a strong background in education, with 23 years of experience, She spent 7 years teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels before transitioning to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. For the past 4 years. She has served as an Elementary Assistant Principal, further enhancing her leadership skills in educational settings. Her diverse experience positions her well to contribute positively to any educational environment.

Kawehi earned her B.S. in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Masters in Educational Leadership form Pepperdine University. As a Board Member of Sapolu Destined Academy, she brings energy, passion, and a social-emotional perspective to her work. Her commitment is to create a proactive environment where everyone can find purpose and feel valued in their daily lives and future endeavors.

Michael Hogan

Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director

Michael Hogan, Jr., founder, Chairman, and Managing Director will have overall client management responsibility. He is the consultant for nine (9) single-employer health insurance plans and all its multi-employer Health & Welfare Plans. Mike is based out of our offices in downtown Honolulu.

Mike has been serving Hawaiʻi’s local businesses in the employee benefit consulting and investment advisory industry for over 34 years. His experience began in 1987 with the launch of Aetna Partners, the first preferred provider health insurance program in Hawaiʻi, Aetna’s Voluntary Group Universal Life, and defined contribution platform (401EZ). In 1992, he started T.M. Hogan, Inc., which was later sold to Bank of Hawaiʻi in 2007. Mike joined the Bank of Hawaiʻi where he was responsible for both the Private Sector and Taft-Hartley markets until his departure in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Following his departure from Bank of Hawaiʻi, Mike went on to establish in July 2014 both Hawaiʻi Western Advisory Services, LLC (Name change to Hogan Consulting Group, LLC. July 2017) and Hawaii Western Investment Services, LLC (Name change to Hogan Financial Group, LLC. July 2017).

Mike is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and pursued a Master’s Degree in Business at Chaminade University. Mike currently serves on the Hawaiʻi Prepaid Health Care Advisory Council. In addition, Mike is a member of and serves various roles in many other professional and non-profit organizations. He holds professional licenses for insurance (Life and Health) and securities (NASD – Series 7, 63, 65).

Marco Johnson

Retired CEO and co-founder of the University of Antelope Valley

Marco Johnson Marco Johnson, retired CEO and co-founder of the University of Antelope Valley has dedicated much of his life to the education of others.

The emotional rigors of being a Los Angeles firefighter and paramedic were overwhelming. He had witnessed death far too often, much of it preventable. So, he decided to find a different way to save lives.

As the founder and owner, now retired from the Lancaster, California-based University of Antelope Valley, Johnson taught individuals the skills they needed to save lives.

Johnson’s road to entrepreneurship was a winding one. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and marketing at the University of Hawaii, where he was a star wide receiver for the university team, the Warriors. After graduation, the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) drafted Johnson in the 10th round of the 1988 NFL draft. He played two seasons on special teams for the Oilers and the Los Angeles Rams before trading his football for a fire hose.

Johnson says he has witnessed hundreds of unnecessary civilian casualties throughout his career due to a lack of civilian CPR and first-aid training. The most disturbing event for him occurred on Christmas Eve 1996. Johnson and his colleagues were battling a raging blaze in Los Angeles; a single mother and her three children were trapped inside a burning apartment building. While firefighters successfully rescued the family from the inferno, two children suffered respiratory failure and died before firefighters or emergency personnel could save them. The third child died in the rescue unit.

Johnson believes that if onlookers and passers-by had been trained in the most basic CPR and emergency assistance methods, one or perhaps all of the children would have survived. Instead, the lives of three innocent children expired, and a mother lost her family, he says. I will never forget that night and seeing the bodies of those children. This tragic event prompted him and his wife to start the school, initially as a side business.

Since its inception in 1997, Marco and his wife Sandra Johnson, have overseen their company’s transformation from a small CPR company start-up into a nationally accredited higher education institution. The University of Antelope Valley has graduated over 1,000 students a year, with programs ranging from the master’s-level to career-specific certificates. The University employed over 100 residents and had two campuses, an athletics program, and over 30 academic programs and certifications. Marco and his wife decided to retire from the University and sold the University of Antelope Valley in July 2022. They felt this would be the best move for the community to bring investors with higher volumes of funds to quickly assist in making the university a local mark and a global one.

Marco has become a focal business leader in the Antelope Valley, earning the 2009 City of Lancaster’s Citizen of the Year Award, recognized jointly with his wife and co-founder of the university.  Marco and Sandra continually give back to the Antelope Valley community, supporting local charity and family shelter organizations, hosting community outreach events, and assisting local entrepreneurs with guidance and support.

Marco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Marketing and a Master’s degree in Education. In addition, he has a Diploma with Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute

Marco has also been recognized by the following magazines/textbooks:

  • “Entrepreneur Magazine” as one of the “Young Millionaires” in American business
  • “Kiplingers” (cover page) as on the success stories of entrepreneurship as featured as the cover story
  • “Black Enterprise”
  • Small Business Opportunities
  • Turning Point Story
  • Fundamental Accounting Principals-Financial & Managerial 18e for McGraw-Hill Higher Education

His additional accomplishments include:

  • Recognized by CES Innovator award
  • Property Investor
  • Started a CAL PAC athletic department with the following sports
    • Baseball (National Cal Pac Champs, 5th in the nation)
    • Women’s Basketball Team (Cal Pac Champs 7th in the nation)
    • Men’s Basketball Team (Cal Pac Champs)
    • Softball
    • Cross country
    • Men’s Soccer
    • Women’s Soccer
    • E-Sports
    • Volleyball
  • Started Annual Smooth Jazz Festival for our community
  • Presented the Antelope Valley’s inaugural “Color Me Rad” 5K race.
  • Designed curriculum for numerous educational programs
    • Masters
    • BA
    • Certificate
  • Marco attended the Outlook Conference as the keynote speaker with his wife, Sandra

Marco is the father of two wonderful children, Devion and Tiffany.   Marco is also a retired professional football player, and his passion for sports translates into athletic endeavors for the community.

Sandra Johnson

CFO and co-founder of the University of Antelope Valley

Sandra Johnson (non voting)- Sandra Johnson, CFO and co-founder of the University of Antelope Valley has dedicated much of her life to the education of others. Immigrating to Lancaster, California, from Chile in 1970, Sandra attributes her success to her parents, who continually challenged her to overcome obstacles. Arriving in the United States in the first grade and speaking very little English, Sandra soon became the school’s translator, bridging the language gap between administrators and Spanish-speaking students and growing up in a tough neighborhood and, at times, receiving government assistance. “I know how it feels to hurry and get home because it’s getting dark, or that there’s a house that they’re dealing drugs from, or that I need to run away from that gang,” Johnson said, referencing her humble beginnings. “I know how it feels to have a challenging environment.” Sandra’s childhood experience set the foundation of her passion: changing lives through education.

Since its inception in 1997, Sandra has overseen her company’s transformation from a small CPR company start-up into a nationally accredited higher education institution. The University of Antelope Valley has graduated over 1,000 students a year, with programs ranging from the master’s-level to career-specific certificates. The University employed over 300 residents and had two campuses, an athletics program, and over 42 academic programs and certifications. Sandra and her husband decided to retire from the University and sold the University of Antelope Valley in July 2022. They felt this would be the best move for the community to bring investors with higher volumes of funds to quickly assist in making the university a local mark and a global one.

Sandra has become a local business leader in the Antelope Valley, earning the 2009 City of Lancaster’s Citizen of the Year Award, recognized jointly with her husband and co-founder of the university.  In 2012, she obtained strong community support in her successful run for a seat on the Lancaster City Council.  She recently addressed a Congressional Woman’s Conference on entrepreneurial fundamentals.    She attributes her success to putting vision before profit.  Sandra and Marco continually give back, supporting charity and family shelter organizations, hosting community outreach events, and assisting entrepreneurs with guidance and support.

Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Education and a Master in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum Development and Outcomes Assessment. She also completed a Diploma in Paralegal.

Sandra has also been recognized by the following magazines/textbooks:

  • “Entrepreneur Magazine” as one of the “Young Millionaires” in American business
  • “Kiplingers” (cover page) as on the success stories of entrepreneurship as featured as the cover story
  • “Black Enterprise”
  • Small Business Opportunities
  • Turning Point Story
  • AV Woman
  • Fundamental Accounting Principals-Financial & Managerial 18e for McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Her additional accomplishments include:

  • Developed Impact Homes in areas of low-income neighborhoods
  • Won the title of Miss Latin America
  • Started the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation
  • Employed over 200 employees in our community at UAV
  • Started a CAL PAC athletic department with the following sports
  • Baseball (National Cal Pac Champs, 5th in the nation)
  • Women’s Basketball Team (Cal Pac Champs 7th in the nation)
  • Men’s Basketball Team (Cal Pac Champs)
  • Softball
  • Cross country
  • Men’s Soccer
  • Women’s Soccer
  • E-Sports
  • Volleyball
  • Started Annual Smooth Jazz Festival for her community
  • Presented the Antelope Valley’s inaugural “Color Me Rad” 5K race for her community. With nearly 5,000 in attendance. It was also a great way to give back to the community, as the proceeds benefited local charities in the Antelope Valley.
  • Found jobs for thousands of graduates from UAV
  • Created jobs for 100’s through the Morton Manufacturing project
  • Was a component of finalizing/voting/acting out the plan and process for our first electric busses in our community
  • Councilwoman for the city of Lancaster
  • Educator
  • Consultant
  • Property Investor
  • Partnered with VIDA to further children’s education, full-ride scholarships
  • Partnered Learn for Life, giving children tools for awareness of education
  • Designed curriculum for numerous educational programs
    • Masters
    • BA
    • Certificate

Sandra has also attended multiple speaking engagements as a motivational speaker, keynote speaker, political speakers and more.

Sandra is the mother of two wonderful children, Devon (retired Police Officer) and Tiffany (Miss California USA).   Sandra is a formally trained dancer and past instructor, and her passion for the arts, music, and dance translates into artistic endeavors for the community.  She earned a California State Certification in Paralegal from Antelope Valley College and Watson College.  She also obtained a Master’s in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum Development and Outcomes Assessment and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, both from Aspen University.

Corbett Kalama

Corbett Kalama Corbett comes from humble beginnings- he grew up in a 900 square foot house in Kailua with a family of 13 but his road to success was not the typical dog-eat-dog climb up the corporate ladder. It was, instead, formed by his family’s Hawaiian values of family, education, and community.

Corbett Kalama was raised with a strong belief in the values of inclusiveness, stewardship and education. His mother Elizabeth Correa Kalama was a kumu hula. Father Charles Alan Kalama was a plumber, draftsman, musician, and boat builder. He even made musical instruments and fishing equipment. The family didn’t have much money but Corbett Kalama says he had a rich childhood.

Born in Honolulu, Kalama is a graduate of Kailua High School, Western Oregon College (economics) and the Pacific Coast Banking School, where he has served as a faculty member as well. He is also a former teacher at Kailua High School and with the Honolulu Community Action Program.

Kalama has served as a trustee of the University of Hawai’i Foundation and for the Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center as well. He has served with the American Bankers Association and the Government Relations Council Bankers Roundtable.

He has also served as a member of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Revolving Fund Program, and on the boards of several local organizations including the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council, Hawai’i Nature Center, Friends of Hawai’i Charities, UH-Hilo Small Business Advisory Board, Polynesian Voyaging Society, Pacific Islanders in Communication and the Hawai’i Institute for Public Affairs.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of RESCO, Inc., Locations’ parent company, Corbett A.K. Kalama oversees the overall strategy and operations of the company, including the firm’s core brokerage operations, and institutional and developer relationships.

Prior to joining Locations in 2023, Corbett served as executive vice president of the Weinberg Foundation’s Hawaii Office. He has also held numerous positions at First Hawaiian Bank over 32 years, including executive vice president and manager of the bank’s Wealth Management Group.

Corbett serves on the boards of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, and he is president of Friends of Hawaii Charities, as well as director and coach of Kailua Canoe Club. He has previously served as a Kamehameha Schools Trustee.

Corbett is a graduate of Western Oregon University and the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington, where he was also a faculty member for 20 years.

Kalama’s wife is a schoolteacher, and three of his four children graduated from the Kamehameha Schools.

Carlton Long

Carlton Long was born in Missouri and raised in Fullerton, California. After high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps, deployed to active combat zones and worked in supply telecommunications. Following his service, he attended Cal Poly Humboldt, where he studied real estate and business.

Carlton’s early career began in network engineering and operations, working with prominent companies such as DirecTV, Onyx Acceptance (now Capital One Auto), and Lucent. However, after the Dot-com bubble burst, he pivoted back to his formal education and entered the real estate industry. His first role was in escrow with Fidelity National Title, and soon after, he moved into Real Estate Finance, working with notable firms like GE Finance, Bank of America, MetLife Bank, Fremont Bank, Banc of California, and Flagstar Bank. In 2011, Carlton launched his own Real Estate Finance Company, later rebranding it in 2016 to Carlton Capital & Realty Corporation.

Carlton holds multiple state and federal licenses, including Real Estate Broker License since 2011 and Insurance Broker License since 2007. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and relaxing with his wife and two children, often at the beach or on the golf course, which also doubles as his backyard. A dedicated community leader, he actively serves on various boards and committees, supporting small business owners, non-profit sports organizations and provides financial literacy education at the primary & secondary education level in North Orange County.

Alex Luna

Dedicated entrepreneur and business owner

Alex Luna is a dedicated entrepreneur and business owner, known for his commitment to both his professional pursuits and his community. Raised in Orange County, Alex proudly embraces his Hawaiian and Mexican heritage, which shapes his approach to leadership and collaboration. As a devoted father of three grown children and two grandchildren, he prioritizes family values and strives to be a positive role model for his children.

An avid runner and loves all sports. Alex is passionate about maintaining an active lifestyle, which reflects his drive and determination in all areas of his life. He enjoys empowering others, whether through mentoring his professional endeavors or supporting his community. He has always helped young people succeed in life through sports.

Alex channels the same energy and enthusiasm into his business ventures, fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for clients and employees alike. With a blend of cultural richness and a commitment to excellence, Alex Luna is a dynamic force in both business and community engagement.

Lila Spolu

Principal

Lila joins Sapolu Destined Academy with over 10 years of administrative experience in health and higher education. Her extensive operational and administrative work at UC Irvine, combined with 13 years as the Director of Operations for Sapolu Men in the Trenches Lineman Academy, provides a unique blend of expertise in both sports and education administration. She holds a degree in Marketing and a master’s in Health Administration, both of which are vital to our business.

Roman Sapolu

Roman Sapolu- Sapolu spent the previous two seasons (2022-2023) at Hawai’i, where he coached the offensive line in 2022 and was promoted to co-offensive coordinator/offensive line in 2023. He was named Hawai’i’s offensive coordinator in 2024 before joining the Dolphins.

In 2023, the Rainbows ranked third in the Mountain West in passing offense (276.4), passing touchdowns (27) and completion percentage (62.8). Wide receiver Steven McBride recorded 1,024 receiving yards, which ranked fourth in the conference, and six receptions of 50-plus yards, which tied for third in the FBS. McBride earned second-team All -Mountain West honors.

In 2022, Sapolu coached an offensive line that ranked fourth in the Mountain West in fewest sacks allowed (20.0) and helped the offense rank fourth in the conference in passing offense (205.5). Two Rainbow Warriors went on to earn all -conference honors, as offensive lineman IIm Manning earned first-team All-Mountain West honors, while offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool earned second-team All-Mountain West. Both went on to the NFL, as Manning signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent and Vanterpool spent part of training camp with the New England Patriots.

Sapolu spent three seasons (2019-21) at Fresno State, where he served as offensive line/run game coordinator for two years (2020-21). In 2021, the Bulldogs averaged more than 30 points per game and were the national leaders in various categories, including passing offense (326.7, ninth) and total offense (463.8, 14th). Sapolu coached offensive lineman Alex Akingbulu, who earned first-team All-Mountain West Honors his senior year and went on to the NFL where he signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent. He also coached offensive lineman Dontae Bell, who went on to be the No.1 overall pick in the 2023 CFL Draft.

In 2020, the Bulldogs finished in the top 20 nationally in passing offense (356.3, fifth) and total offense (479.3, 17th. Running back Ronnie Rivers led the conference in all-purpose yards per game (163.8) and points scored per game (9.0) with nine touchdowns earning him first-team All-Mountain West honors. Offensive lineman Syrus Tuitele earned second-team All-Mountain West honors and went on to spend training camp with the Buffalo Bills

Sapolu first joined Fresno State as an assistant offensive line coach in 2019, and coached Netane Muti, who was a sixth-round pick (181st overall) by Denver in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Sapolu’s first full-time coaching job came at Idaho State as offensive line coach in 2018. In his sole season, the Bengals tallied 5,403 total yards, the third-most since their 1981 national championship season. Under his tutelage, Brian Fineanganofo earned first-team Big Sky All-Conference Honors and second-team Phil Steele FCS All-American honors and went on to spend training camp with the Cleveland browns.

Sapolu spent the summer of 2018 with the San Francisco 49ers as part of the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship, where he worked with the offensive line.

Sapolu began his coaching career at Nebraska, where he served as a graduate assistant for three seasons (2025-17) and worked primarily with the offensive line.

Sapolu was a four-year letterman (2011-14) at Oregon State as an interior lineman, After his final season was cut short due to injury, Sapolu assisted his position coach for the remainder of the season. A Huntington Beach, CA native, Sapolu graduated from Oregon State with a degree in liberal studies. His father, Jesse, played 14 seasons (1983-97) with the San Francisco 49ers and is a four-time Super Bowl Champion. Sapolu and his wife, Corinne, have two children, Malia and Masina.