From City SC Hawaii to SDFC Right to Dream Academy

For a lot of young players in Hawaii, the dream of playing at the next level can feel impossible. The talent is there, but the opportunities to consistently train, compete, and be seen in professional environments are not always easy to access.

Koa’s story shows what can happen when those opportunities do exist.

Koa began his soccer journey in Kona, Hawaii with Kona Krush Academy, a club committed to developing players and creating opportunities for athletes on the island. When the club joined the City SC family and became City SC Hawaii, it created a direct connection to a much larger player development network.
That connection would eventually help change Koa’s future.

Through the City SC network, Koa was invited to train with the MLS NEXT group at City SC San Diego in Carlsbad. For a player coming from Hawaii, the experience was eye opening. The level, the speed of play, the daily training environment, and the chance to compete alongside top players pushed him to another level. More importantly, it gave him exposure to the right people and the right opportunities.

During his time training and playing within the City SC MLS Next environment, Koa was able to connect with the San Diego FC Right to Dream Academy pathway. In 2025, he officially signed with the academy, taking another major step in his development journey.

Stories like Koa’s are exactly why the City SC network exists. This was not just about one showcase event or one lucky moment. It was the result of clubs working together, sharing opportunities, and creating real pathways for players who are ready for more. Without the City SC network, the connection from Kona to San Diego, and ultimately to a professional academy environment, may never have happened in the same way.

Koa’s journey is proof that talent can come from anywhere. Sometimes players just need the right environment, the right support, and the right pathway to help open the next door. For players across City SC Hawaii and the entire City SC family, his story is a reminder that the pathway is real.