Isley Samuelu Joins Mid-America Christian University as Utility Player, Ready to Make His Mark on NAIA Baseball

Isley Samuelu Joins Mid-America Christian University as Utility Player, Ready to Make His Mark on NAIA Baseball

Oklahoma City, OK - August 22, 2024 (USANews.com) - Isley Samuelu is thrilled to join Mid-America Christian University (MACU) as a junior utility player for their highly respected NAIA baseball program.

With deep connections to MACU through acclaimed softball player and coach Keilani Ricketts, Isley is set to bring his talent and dedication to the team, aiming to make a significant impact over the next two years.

Isley’s journey to MACU has been shaped by his transformative experiences at West Los Angeles College in Culver City, CA, where he played under the guidance of Coach Roger Hill. During his two years there, Isley honed his skills and matured as a player, evolving into a formidable athlete ready for the next level.

His growth was further accelerated by playing on the elite South Bay Saints summer baseball team under the mentorship of legendary Coach Murphy Su’a, where he rapidly became a valuable asset on and off the field.

But Isley’s success is not just a result of his college experiences. His roots run deep in the supportive baseball community of American Samoa, where he developed under the diligent oversight of Coach Vaimalu Aetonu.

This training was driven by the vision and leadership of Saipai Cassens, who played a pivotal role in the resurgence of baseball on the island nation. Together with former baseball player and Samoana High School standout Rob Pene, they laid the groundwork for a potentially flourishing pipeline of talent from American Samoa to the United States.

Reflecting on his journey, Isley acknowledges that it wasn’t always an easy road. He credits his spiritual strength and the unwavering encouragement from his best friends, Jade and Jewel Kruse, and Grace Uso, for keeping him grounded and focused.

The camaraderie with his fellow West LA teammates, Paul Cassens and PJ Tufugafale, also played a crucial role in helping him stay the course.

As Isley looks forward to this new chapter at MACU, he remains deeply grateful for the foundation that his family has provided him.

He shares, “I wouldn’t be here without the presence and continual encouragement of my parents, Carolyn Tautolo and Stephen Samuelu, my siblings, Laeli, Jolie, and Talaleu Samuelu, and my grandparents, Poyer and Virginia Samuelu, Charlie and Meleane Tautolo, and grandma Karoline Tugaga. Their belief in me has been my greatest motivation.”

Isley also extends his heartfelt thanks to all his aunties, uncles, cousins, and the broader baseball community who have supported him throughout this journey.

He is particularly grateful to Coach Roger Hill of West LA College, Coach Brett Stanton of MACU for welcoming him, Coach Murphy Su’a and Coach Keilani Ricketts for their guidance and presence.

“Most importantly,” Isley adds, “I thank God for this journey. I truly would not be here if it wasn’t for His love and mercy.”

Isley Samuelu’s signing with Mid-America Christian University marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his baseball career, and the MACU community eagerly anticipates the contributions he will make both on and off the field.

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