How great is this!
Earning a place at a US university as a young Kiwi athlete is a significant milestone. It places them in a rare tier of athletes who excel in sport and academics and on the international stage.
But that is exactly what many young Dilworth Old Boys – student-athletes - have gone on to do this year, and we couldn’t be prouder of them!
Earning a spot as a New Zealander means these young men have had to prove not only their sporting talent but also their academic ability, work ethic and character. US universities require students not only to be gifted at their sport but also to be disciplined, coachable, and academically qualified to balance tough university coursework alongside a professional-level sports schedule.
Not an easy feat!
Gemma Halford, Head of Learning Area, Careers and Pathways at Dilworth, has seen firsthand how rigorous the criteria are while working with young leavers to get their applications together. She said whānau also play a vital role in supporting the journey, and it isn’t straightforward.
“Navigating the complex US college application process isn’t a last-minute effort - it’s an ongoing journey requiring proactive planning, thorough research, and strong family backing. Throughout secondary school, students must actively manage their GPA (Grade Point Average) and meet core-course (subject) requirements for the different US College Divisions. Seeing all that pay off for students is immensely rewarding!
Called the ‘college sport’ system in the US, there is no true equivalent here in New Zealand at university level.
So just what does it mean for students lucky enough to be accepted?
Our young men will gain access to a dedicated, full-time coaching team, high-performance training, and strength-and-conditioning specialists. They will also be supported by sports nutritionists and sports medicine teams, all of which will help them on a fully supported high-performance course. An opportunity that can also open global pathways.
Here are the talented and hardworking Old Boys who have recently made the grade. Director of Basketball at Dilworth, Josiah Maama, is clearly buzzing about the news,
“I’m not only proud of the student athletes they’ve become, but they’ve also grown up to become good men. They are great role models for our programme, and they’ve left a legacy and influence that you’ll see in years to come - as more boys join the ranks.
Ezrah Eagle (Class of 2024) is now playing Basketball at Whitman College (Walla Walla, Washington), a Private NCAA Division III university with a high academic reputation. He is starting his Freshman (first) year in the 26/27 season after 2 years with the Hawks in the NZBL, and 3 years on the Premier Basketball Team at Dilworth. He was also a Junior Tall Black.
https://whitmanblues.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ezrah-eagle/6345
KC Ioane (Class of 2025) is playing Basketball at the University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas), a Private NCAA Division I university with high academic standards. He is starting his Freshman year in the 26/27 season after 2 years with the Tuatara in the NZBL and 2 years in the Premier Basketball Team at Dilworth. KC Ioane was also a Junior Tall Black.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaTgjb2JXsg/?stkn=YnIzeG11MGxvMnE4
Ikahui Mahe (Class of 2023) is now playing Football (American) at New Mexico Military Institute (Boswell, New Mexico), an NCAA Junior College. He is starting his Freshman year in the 26/27 season after 4 years on the Premier Basketball Team at Dilworth.
https://www.nmmiathletics.com/sports/fball/2026-27/bios/mahe_ikahui_ovw0
Lincoln Fa’alafi (Class of 2026 -left Dilworth in 2025 to attend a US Prep School) is now playing Football (American) and is considered one of the best recruits in the whole country. He is in his last year of High School at JSerra Catholic in California. Lincoln is being recruited by some of the NCAA Division 1’s best programmes - including Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Florida and UCLA, to name a few. He will start his freshman year in the 27/28 season. He spent 2 years on the Premier Basketball Team at Dilworth.
https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/271617/lincoln-faalafi
Luke Sinisa (2021 Graduate) is playing Basketball at McCook Community College (McCook, Nebraska), an NCAA Junior College. He is starting his Junior Year in the 26/27 season after 2 years on the Premier Basketball Team at Dilworth. Luke has also represented Tonga’s National Men’s Team at the FIBA and FIBA 3x3 levels.
https://www.mccindians.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/sinsa_luke_57wn
Many congratulations to our Old Boy student-athletes!