HILO, Hawaiʻi

As girls flag football continues to expand across Hawaiʻi, Hilo High School quarterback Nalei Kaʻapana-Suzui is helping lead the next generation of athletes representing the Big Island.

A member of Hilo High School's rapidly growing girls flag football program, Kaʻapana-Suzui has developed into a versatile playmaker capable of impacting the game at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back. Her commitment to improving her game has earned recognition throughout the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) while attracting collegiate interest from programs across the country.

Kaʻapana-Suzui's journey reflects the growth of girls flag football in Hawaiʻi.

During Hilo High's inaugural season, the Vikings posted an impressive 8-1 league record, establishing themselves as one of the BIIF's top programs. Kaʻapana-Suzui earned All-BIIF First Team honors as a receiver before returning the following season to earn All-BIIF First Team Utility Player recognition, showcasing her ability to contribute on both sides of the football.

Now entering her junior season, the Class of 2028 standout is expected to take on an even larger role as one of Hilo's offensive leaders. Local coverage has highlighted her transition into the quarterback position while continuing to contribute in the secondary, underscoring the trust the coaching staff has placed in her versatility and football IQ.

Away from competition, Kaʻapana-Suzui's work ethic has become one of her defining characteristics.

She begins many days with early morning training before school, attends team practice, and returns for additional evening workouts as she continues preparing for the next stage of her football career. That daily commitment reflects her long-term goals both on and off the field.

Academically, Kaʻapana-Suzui carries a 3.0 GPA and plans to study business with the goal of one day operating her own media company.

Her development has already attracted recruiting attention. According to her athlete submission, she currently holds interest from multiple collegiate flag football programs, including Grand Canyon University, Cedar Crest College, Cal Lutheran, and Missouri Baptist University.

At 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds, Kaʻapana-Suzui continues to prove that leadership, preparation, and competitive drive are every bit as important as size. Whether she's throwing passes, making plays as a receiver, or contributing defensively, she embraces every opportunity to help her team succeed.

As girls flag football continues its rapid growth across Hawaiʻi and the rest of the country, athletes like Kaʻapana-Suzui are helping demonstrate that elite talent can emerge from every corner of the game.

HER 7v7 will continue following Nalei Kaʻapana-Suzui throughout her high school career as one of Hawaiʻi's rising flag football prospects.