Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Nu’u Taugavau: Star of Netflix series Last Chance U

Netflix’s Last Chance U is an American docuseries that looks at the world of college football, featuring athletes who’ve had difficult pasts and struggled to find purpose. Soana Aholelei caught up with one such athlete, fan favourite Samoan Nu’u Taugavau, a star player in the latest season ‘Laney’.

The season takes place at Laney College in Oakland, California, and follows the married father of two’s journey as he tries to get a scholarship anywhere that will take him and his family.

Since the season aired Nu’u, 21, received a full scholarship to Murray State University in Kentucky and is studying for a Bachelors Degree in Sociology.

It was a big move for the offensive lineman, who grew up in California, and his family.

“I miss home, the Bay Area. I’ve been there all my life, so coming out here to Kentucky is really new to us. I’m happy my family is with me, though,” he said.

The scholarship is a second chance for Nu’u, a former Walmart employee.

“I decided to give my daughters a chance at a better life – better than what I got in life – and my wife but also my parents. They didn’t have much, and I want to get it for them also.”

Watch the full interview above.

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