Vai Taito has been on a roller coaster ride ever since he put on a football helmet for the first time when he was 6 years old.
After moving from Oakland to Rohnert Park, Taito would go on to star in both football and basketball at local powerhouse Rancho Cotati High School in Rohnert Park.
Taito received scholarship offers after high school from several renowned universities, including San Diego State.
His best option, he thought, was to stay home, attend Santa Rosa Junior College and try to improve the list of schools offering him scholarships.
Then in the summer of 2012, during his first semester, Taito tweaked his knee in practice. A check-up revealed a torn MCL and meniscus. Instead of sitting out games and playing a shortened first year, he opted to be a grey shirt for the season and sat out the year.
Never losing doubt in their son, Taito’s mother and stepfather helped him stay positive during rehab from the tear.
“Being injured was not part of the plan, but it just made me realize how much I loved the game and wanted to get back out there,” he said. Thankfully my parents were there for me to make sure I could get back 100 percent.”
Taito never had any knee or ligament issues prior to 2012 when he donned his grey shirt. The injury was just a minor setback and ultimately the setup for a major comeback.
He burst onto the scene in 2013, by leading the Bear Cubs in interceptions, showing the ball-hawking ability he had showcased before the injury.
“Sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time. If you follow the game plan you will be put in situations where talent can be shown. I am out there to make plays and help my team win,” Taito said.
Following his great freshman season, Taito has stepped up his level of play and leads the Bear Cubs in tackles (54) and is second in sacks (4).
Not only is Taito making plays on the field, the Bear Cubs’ linebacker leads by example off the field, majoring in criminal law while holding a job at FedEx.
“The JC has been a great place for me,” Taito said. “I was out on my own for the first time, and it made me grow up and have to make better decisions. Balancing life, football and school can be a struggle at times, and it makes you really appreciate the little things while being at home.”
Under the guidance of coach Lenny Wagner, Taito has seen his game evolve since his days at Rancho Cotati.
“I am a complete player as can be. I can play in coverage, I can get dirty in the trenches and I can rush the passer.” Coach has pushed me to become the best I can be, ” Taito said. “These guys on this team have become brothers and we go to war with each other each and every game and practice. I wouldn’t change my journey for anything.”