Kanoa Ferreira is one of the best players from the Ewa Beach, HI area in the Class of 2024.
The 5-foot-10, 150-pound Ferreira, who will attend James Campbell High School, is a dynamic player that works primarily as a wide receiver.
Ferreira has earned plenty of recognition during his career, such as:
2019 –JPS (Hawaii) All-Star selection for Paradise Football Classic IV (Honolulu, Hi)
2019 – University of Hawaii youth football camp Offensive MVP
2020 – JPS (Hawaii) All-Star selection for Paradise Football Classic V (Honolulu, Hi)
Ferreira is humbled by the accolades.
“Receiving recognition and selections to multiple all-star events means a lot to me. It serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication truly pays off. It also proves that I have the potential and athleticism to compete with and against the very best to showcase my talents,” Ferreira said. “It was truly a great experience for me to participate in multiple all-star events because it gave me the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the state and nation on a huge stage (Aloha Stadium). The Paradise Football Classic brings in teams from American Samoa, California, Las Vegas, and Hawaii to compete. I was able to build bonds and relationships with my teammates which is something I will never forget. The events also gave me the opportunity to be coached by high school level coaches in the intermediate level which helped me expand my knowledge.”
Ferreira has attended or will attend the following camps:
2018: University of Hawaii
2019: University of hawaii
2019: Level-up Elites Hawaii Showcase
2020: Iron Sharpens Iron Hawaii Showcase
2020: Level-Up Elites Hawaii Showcase and 7v7 tournament
Invite: 2020 Nextgen “The Show” (Florida)
Invite: 2020 Rivals Camp Series Combine (Florida)
Last season, Ferreira scored at least one touchdown in every game and also had three games with two touchdowns.
No matter the opponent, every game Ferreira is determined to give it his all.
Ferreira is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Ferreira steps between the lines.
“Once I line up I am locked in and focused,” Ferreira said. “I trust that I am faster, my feet are quicker, my routes will shake the defender, and I will get past the defender, and run the defender up and down the field. I will catch every ball and score.”
Ferreira has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field. Ferreira tells why he enjoys the game of football so much.
“I love the game of football because it is something I am good at and it is very fun to play. The feeling of stepping onto the field is the best feeling in the world. I enjoy competing against others,” Ferreira said. “Football is a team sport that teaches you a lot about life. The thought of making a living out of doing something you enjoy has got to be everyone’s goal in life.”
Ferreira has learned many valuable lessons from playing football that he applies to his everyday life.
“Playing football has taught me a lot about life. It has taught me how to overcome obstacles in life, how to always give it your all and never quit no matter the situation. To keep pushing and never doubt yourself,” Ferreira said. “It has also taught me that there is more to life than football because it is just a part of your life. One day it will end which is why we need to take our education seriously as well. Education is our future.”
Ferreira shares his favorite memory of playing football.
“My favorite memory of playing is the trip my 12u football (tackle) team took to Ohio to compete in the Hall of Fame Youth Football National Championships in December 2017. It means a lot because it was the first time a team from Hawaii made it into this national tournament. We played all of our games in the snow. It was the first time experiencing snow for the majority of our team,” Ferreira said. “Although it was tough, we overcame adversity and won our way into the championship game. The championship game was played inside the Tom Benson Hall of Fame stadium and televised live on CBS Sports network. We ended up falling short against a very good Georgia Elite team, however it was a great experience and one I will never forget. We also got the opportunity to tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame during our stay. I really enjoyed it and consider it a once in a lifetime experience.”
Ferreira takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Ferreira makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by pushing my teammates at practice to compete with each other and to always get better every day/game. I also help my teammates when they don’t understand any concepts, coverages, and/or routes we run that way we all can be on the same page,” Ferreira said. “The best advice i have given my teammate was to never tell yourself you can’t do something and don’t ever put yourself down after a mistake. Just shake it off and keep moving forward.”
Ferreira is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have taught me a lot about being a better player and person by teaching me leadership, respect, humbleness, and how to have a good work ethic. They have also taught me to push myself alongside having great character as a person. These lessons will help guide and direct me in life,” Ferreira said. “The best advice my coach has given me is to don’t ever be satisfied with what you accomplish. There will always be more you can do to help you succeed and push past your limits to better yourself. Keep working hard and continue to have a good work ethic. Strive not to be the best in the state, but strive to be the best in the nation, even in school as well.”
Ferreira patterns his mentality after this wide receiver.
“The player that I look up to the most is Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints,” Ferreira said. “He has great skills and abilities: great hands, quick feet, superior route running, and is aggressive on the field. He also displays great character off the field by continuously giving back to the community which I admire.”
Ferreira lists history as his favorite subject in school.
“I believe it is important to learn about the past and all of its significant events that helped shape today’s world,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira explains his collegiate aspirations.
“My top college choices are Oregon, LSU, Michigan, USC Trojans, UCLA, Washington, Notre Dame, UNLV, Washington State and Hawaii,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira maintains a rigorous schedule to stay sharp.
“Covid-19 has had a major effect on how athletes around the world are training. Being under quarantine has allowed me to push myself to get better each and every day. Workouts that I do on my own to improve my game are agility ladder drills, cone drills (footwork), sprints, route running technique drills, and coordination drills using tennis balls,” Ferreira said. “In addition, I have a personal weight set at home that allows me to do strength training on my own as well. I focus on simple explosive lifts.”
Ferreira is striving for greatness in all that he does.
“My goal entering high school is to earn a starting position on the varsity team as a freshman. I would like to score at least one touchdown in every game and average 10+ yards per catch,” Ferreira said. “I would also like to earn a spot on the defensive side of the ball which will allow me to play both ways. Academically I would like to hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher.”
Ferreira describes what he believes separates himself from the pack.
“I believe what sets me apart from other athletes are my skills, athleticism, character, leadership ability, but most of all my work ethic. I am always looking for work and looking for ways to improve every day,” Ferreira said. “I always push myself to be the best that I can be by working hard every day in training, practice, workouts, and even in school. My work ethic and mindset is truly different from others.”
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