MEAGAN CLEMENTS | staff writer

Teammates admire Kristie Hala'ufia's commitment to the Cougars, her life, and God.

A humble personality with a passion for God, family and basketball, sophomore Kristie Hala’ufia is back in the game with a vocal presence that continues to inspire her teammates both on and off the court.

“She’s a hard worker, a strong post and very energetic,” senior guard Sarah Leathers said. “She’s very caring and a great person on top of being a great teammate.”

Head coach T.J. Hardeman agreed that it was Hala’ufia’s character and enthusiasm that make her an integral part of the team.

“[Kristie] is very passionate about everything she does and it’s contagious. It’s nice when you have a player that has the stature she has,” Hardeman said. “Passion and enthusiasm make her an integral part of the team [and] as a coach, you always feel blessed when you have players who love the Lord and who have their priorities straight.”

Hailing from San Mateo, Calif., Hala’ufia has been playing basketball since she was young.

“I started off very young; everybody played basketball in my family,” Hala’ufia said.

Hala’ufia went on to play for her elementary school’s team when she was in fourth grade.

“I never realized it until high school—God’s giving you a talent and it’s your job to portray it and give back to the Lord. I try to play for God,” Hala’ufia said. “When I came to visit [APU], I liked the chemistry of the team. I thought APU would be a good opportunity for me to improve my walk with the Lord [and] I wanted to have a relationship with my teachers.”

While having to sit out for two years due to eligibility, Hala’ufia developed a vocal presence which defined her character and sportsmanship.

“It was hard going from my senior year of high school into my freshman year of college and having to sit out two years. It really took a toll on me mentally,” Hala’ufia said.

“The two years that I was out, I had to be on the bench [so] I contributed vocally. When I talk on the court, it helps my team.”

Because Hala’ufia considers herself a huge family person, she loves being part of a team.

“I like having to trust people and have fun on and off the court,” Hala’ufia said. “Not many people can say they can have fun doing stuff with a whole [group] of people.”

Hala’ufia credits her team and coaches for her chops on the court.

“I’m the player I am today because of them. I feel truly blessed to have the coaches and the team I have this year,” Hala’ufia said.

Although Hala’ufia and her teammates play hard on each other, they never get down on each other.

“My team is always there for me on and off the court,” Hala’ufia said.

And so is her family.

“The support of my family is unbelievable. They call me everyday to wish me good luck on the games and are behind me 110%,” Hala’ufia said.

Hala’ufia encourages those indifferent to watching, playing or reading about basketball, to come out and support the team at an upcoming game or watch it on television — even just once.

“I have such a passion for basketball and the intensity on the court is unbelievable,” Hala’ufia said.

While it may be tempting to pass Hala’ufia off as “just another athlete,” her persona and positive outlook on life set her above others in her league.

Hala’ufia describes herself as outspoken, athletic and family oriented.

“My siblings are my inspiration,” Hala’ufia said.

In addition, Hala’ufia believes that education is the key to success.

Her advice to others is to finish school, trust in God and pray about burdens adding needless stress to your life.

“Believe it or not, some people don’t think [God will] come through, but he will when you’re ready,” Hala’ufia said.

In five years, Hala’ufia hopes to be finished with school and possibly playing basketball overseas. She aspires to marry and have four children.