The Dual Meaning of "21"
Published on May 17, 2018 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA - As the Philadelphia Soul go for their 21st straight home win this weekend, a fan-favorite Wide Receiver and #21 Shaun "SK" Kauleinamoku gives an inside look at his football journey and what brought him back for the road to a "3-peat." SK grew up in Ewa Beach, Hawaii with his parents, Larry and Gaylyn, and siblings, Kainoa and Kanani. The Kauleinamoku's are a big football family, as his father was an All-State running back in high school who went on to play collegiately at the University of Hawaii.
"I was born into a football family," said SK. "Naturally, I fell in love with the game of football because of his passion for the game."
SK graduated from St. Louis High School in Honolulu in 2005, where he played football, basketball and baseball. During his high school football career, SK was a two-time First Team All-State selection in Hawaii and three-time First Team All-ILH pick. So how did SK choose football over the other two sports? Opportunity.
"Football gave me opportunities that I'm forever grateful for," said SK. "I got a scholarship for college and was able to get a degree while playing football."
SK attended Western Oregon University where he majored in Physical Education and Health while playing Wide Receiver for the football team. In SK's sophomore season (2007), he made the All-ICAA Second-Team, was awarded ICAA Special Teams Player of the Year and named the Dixie Rotary Bowl Player of the Game. As just a sophomore, he reached ninth in school history for career punt return yardage (226), recorded the eighth highest single-season punt return yardage total (219) and was named the WOU Wolves Special Teams Captain. The following season, SK totaled 37 receptions for 573 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a Second Team All-GNAC selection and led the team in all-purpose yards per game (81.5). Over those two seasons, SK recorded a catch in 19 straight games. He currently sits tenth in school history in career receptions with 99, tenth in all-purpose yards with 2,204, and fourth in punt return yards (416). After college, SK made the decision to continue his football career professionally.
"As everyone says, 'Do something you love doing or you'll regret it,' SK explained. "I love the game of football and challenging myself each week. Who wouldn't want to get paid to do something you love?"
His AFL career began in 2010 with the Spokane Shock, where he played for two seasons and recorded 82 catches for 1,037 yards and 25 touchdowns. In 2012, he spent time playing for both the Utah Blaze and San Antonio Talons. He posted 73 receptions for 875 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Blaze. In 2014, SK moved on to the Pittsburgh Power and recorded 124 receptions for 1,349 yards. He set a then personal-best with 19 touchdowns in 18 games, was named to the AFL's Top 50 Players of 2014 list, tied for fifth in the league in catches and ranked tenth in the league in receiving yards.
It was then in 2015 that Kauleinamoku was assigned to the Soul and he immediately became an impact player on the field, and a fan favorite off of it. Over the course of his first three seasons in Philadelphia, SK totaled 256 receptions for 3,431 yards and 73 touchdowns, while winning two straight ArenaBowl championships. Many would consider those accomplishment enough to hang up their helmet and call it a career, but SK was eager to come back to the City of Brotherly Love.
"As we say in Hawaii, "Ohana" (family). Every single person affiliated with the Soul have become part of my 'ohana,' said SK. "Being the one that lives the furthest away from home, it's a blessing to have a second 'ohana' here in Philly. "
After a week of rest and recovery, the Soul are back on their road to a "3-peat." SK feels confident in the preparation of not just himself, but also the team as they look to tally 21 straight victories at home.
"I'm preparing the same way I have since I started playing football: taking it week by week, studying film, practicing and learning more each day," said SK. "We can always strive to get better at our craft."
Kauleinamoku and his Philly "ohana" go for their 21st straight victory at home when they welcome the Albany Empire to Philadelphia for the first time in history on Saturday, May 19th. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center.
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