About · The Story

Built by
two of
our own.

Kid From The Rock was built on faith, sacrifice, and a commitment to create opportunities where few existed. It started with two parents growing up in American Samoa, who took two different paths but experienced firsthand the lack of resources, exposure, and pathways available to them. Both had dreams and aspirations of pursuing sports and college. But the lack of resources, equipment, college coaches, exposure, and understanding were some of the things that have hurt our island.

Through faith, consistency, and determination, both parents were able to make the most of their opportunities in the United States.

Years later, as parents and coaches, we watched our own children and community face those same barriers. In 2013, we made the difficult decision to leave home and move our family to the United States in search of better opportunities. What began as a sacrifice for our children became a mission for many.

We opened our home, mentored families, and created pathways for island youth through training, college visits, and exposure. Eventually the doors opened to kids from all walks of life. Kid From The Rock is the full-circle journey of giving back, building legacy, and making sure the next generation has a stronger path forward.

That is the heart behind Kid From The Rock.

— Keiki & Tufi Misipeka

// Meet the Founder

Keiki Misipeka.

Co-Founder · Kid From The Rock

From

American Samoa

Based

Miami, FL

Years Coaching

20+

Players Placed

200

Born and raised on The Rock, Keiki Misipeka knows firsthand the challenges island athletes face — limited resources, limited exposure, limited pathways. His mission: build what he never had.

When he and his family relocated to the U.S. in 2013, they opened their home, mentored families, organized training, and walked athletes through the recruiting process. What began as helping a few grew into a movement reaching American Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Asia-Pacific.

Keiki’s coaching journey started with youth football in American Samoa, then his alma mater Samoana High School. From there: Governor Wallace Rider Farrington HS under Randall Okimoto, and Silverado HS under NFL legend Randall Cunningham. In 2016, he entered the college ranks at Garden City CC under Coach Jeff Sims — winning a National Championship that year and a Conference Championship in 2017. He went on to Delaware State University (HBCU FCS) before reuniting with Coach Sims at Missouri Southern State.

In 2021, Keiki became the first NFL International Scout for the Asia-Pacific region — identifying talent and building relationships across the international football community. He returned to the college game at the University of Hawaiʻi, first as Running Backs Coach and then General Manager of Football under Coach Timmy Chang, overseeing recruiting, player personnel, operations, NIL, and NFL relations. Most recently, he served as Director of Player Personnel and NIL Engagement at the University of Miami under Head Coach Mario Cristobal — managing recruiting and roster strategy at one of college football’s premier programs.

// Why Kid From The Rock

A note from Keiki.

After years of coaching, recruiting, scouting, and football operations at nearly every level of the game, I came to a simple truth: Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

On June 1, 2026, I stepped away from the University of Miami to dedicate myself to athletes and families across the Pacific Islands and beyond. Football opened many doors. But my heart never left home.

I don’t promise scholarships or pro careers. What I do promise is guidance, mentorship, and a network built over two decades of relationships — one that has opened doors in education, the private sector, and professional sports.

Everything I’ve learned, from American Samoa to the NFL — I want to use to create opportunities for the next generation.

— Keiki Misipeka

Founder · Kid From The Rock

// Mission & Vision

What we’re building toward.

Our Mission

To empower athletes and families through mentorship, education, exposure, and opportunity — while preserving the values of faith, family, culture, character, and service.

Our Vision

To build the most trusted pathway for athletes and families by creating opportunities that impact generations — both on and off the field.

// What We Stand On

Three words. Every day.

Tautua

Service

Student-athletes are taught the value of community service and encouraged to give back, create opportunities, and positively impact future generations in their communities and beyond.

Aiga

Family

A kid 5,000 miles from home needs more than a coach. Host families, academic mentors, and alumni form the network that catches every athlete in the program — on and off the field.

Aganu’u

Culture

Student-athletes are encouraged to uphold Samoan values of faith, humility, respect, service, and gratitude, carrying their culture with pride in the classroom, locker room, community, and throughout their careers.

Built by two of our own.

Keiki Misipeka.

A note from Keiki.

What we’re building toward.

Three words. Every day.

Want to bepart of the work?

Built by
two of
our own.

Want to be
part of the work?