VIDEO: Rainbow Warrior Spotlight on Kaeo AliviadoBy Lupe VeteKaeo Aliviado was unaware of how far baseball would take him until his sophomore year in high school.
"My summer ball coach put me on the side after a game and he told me, why not the University of Hawai'i?"
Aliviado never thought much about becoming a Rainbow Warrior and staying home to hone his talent. His mind was set on leaving the rock and exploring the world outside of his home.
"I wanted to go away, experience the world."
However, after a successful junior year which including first-team all-state and all-league selections, the University of Hawai'i was calling the outfielder's name as his summer coach had predicted.
"I got a call from Coach Trap. We had a meeting and I got offered, right then and there."
About a week later, Aliviado committed to Hawai'i. Today, he wears his decision on his back and carries it with esteem and pride.
"Putting on that UH jersey for the first time was a huge privilege for me and just the fact that I'm playing Division I baseball is an unbelievable feeling, and words can't explain how I feel about playing here."
Today, as the starting centerfielder for the Rainbow Warriors, Aliviado continues to be a force to be reckoned with. To get him through every baseball game, he lives by his daily motto of playing tough for the people of Hawai'i.
"Play hard and play as one and try to make the state proud and bring home some wins, give it 110 per cent and never give up."
Through his work ethic and talent, he has dreams of making it in the baseball world.
"I want to continue playing and see where baseball takes me."
As a sociology major, he hopes to use his education to some day work with children and become a role model and a positive force to the next generation. He hopes to one day become a motivational speaker and send a message out to the next generation.
"Focus and as long as you work hard. Anything is possible."
But for now, he is cherishing the moment and ready to embrace whatever the future holds.
-UH-
