Viliami “Laiu” Moeakiola

Classroom

Viliami Moeakiola has already earned his bachelor’s degree in educational studies and is competing in 2016 as a graduate student in ASU’s sports law and business program. He finished his undergraduate career with a 3.17 GPA and was named a 2014 and 2015 Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention selection.

Character

Moeakiola served as team co-captain while starting 12 games in the 2015 season. He is a champion off the field as well, serving the community with his time and efforts. Moeakiola consistently displays motivation and drive, committing time and resources to the university, his hometown and the multiple organizations he helps. He has always represented himself and Sun Devil Athletics in a positive manner, understands the value of something greater than himself, and knows how to handle that added responsibility. Moeakiola has demonstrated the ability to not only balance multiple tasks, but also succeed at what he does.

Community

Moeakiola is one of the team’s most active members in the community, having spent time volunteering as one of a select handful of players to visit a local children’s hospital in El Paso for the team’s Sun Bowl appearance in 2014 and spending an afternoon with several young boys and girls. He also participated in the team’s 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl trip where he volunteered at the Glide Memorial Church on Christmas Day, helping to feed hundred of homeless and underprivileged individuals and families. Moeakiola is one of the most active members of the team when it comes to hosting numerous youth clinics throughout the year and is consistent presence within the community when he has the time available.

Competition

Despite battling shoulder problems for much of his career, Moeakiola is a four-year starter and 2014 Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection. As of mid-September, he has 153 career tackles to his credit and 17.5 tackles for loss with 7.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and 12 blocked passes. After starting the 2016 season at safety in an effort to ease the workload on his troublesome shoulder, Moeakiola exemplified the consummate team player early in the season in reverting back to his role as a linebacker in order to help shore up the team’s defense.