Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa's Samoan Heritage Shines At Notre Dame

Every week, we talk about a player's impact, what they mean to the program and what they need to do for Notre Dame to have team success. Sometimes, the 'who' behind the various keys to victory and game-wrecker roles can get lost in the shuffle but every once in a while, you get a reminder of the players we cover and who they are beyond the jersey. 

This past weekend, the Irish hosted the No. 1 team in the nation, the Miami Hurricanes, and walked out of Notre Dame Stadium with a 31-24 victory. One of the key players in that victory was middle linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa who assumed the role of Mike linebacker due to Drayk Bowen's injury. The 6-3, 234-pound California native played an outstanding game but his impact on the field is fueled by the impact of his heritage. 

"It means the world to me because we’re not as represented out here in the Midwest in general," Viliamu-Asa explained. "So to be out here and to represent my culture back home means everything to me and everything to my family. I’ve introduced some of my teammates to some Samoan food, some poly-music, taught some of my friends some Samoan words, and I like to chant."

His teammates have not only been introduced to Viliamu-Asa's Samoan culture, but they've began to embrace it. Prior to kickoff in their primetime matchup with Miami, the junior linebacker led the team in a Samoan chant that embodied what the Fighting Irish were about to do for the next 60 minutes of game time. 

"It's called a Samoan Mili," Viliamu-Asa shared about their pregame chant. "It’s basically a call and response in Samoan from me to the players. It’s something that you do before you go to war. So it means everything to me to represent my culture and also do something for my brothers."

We've seen a handful of players with Samoan or Polynesian backgrounds come through South Bend and have fruitful careers. Linebackers Manti Te'o and Marist Liufau, defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kona Schwenke and wide receiver Robby Toma left an impact on this program in one way or another. Some live on the current roster with Viliamu-Asa, Madden Faraimo, Ko'o Kia and Kahanu Kia who have Samoan or Polynesian roots. 

It's easy to sit and write about football, what Notre Dame needs to do on a weekly basis to have team success and the players that will play an integral role in their victories. But it's also refreshing to sit down and take a peak behind the curtain and learn a little about the players who come out and perform at the highest level Saturdays in the fall. 

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