2025 Men's Soccer Roster
Jersey Number 17
Kai Tamashiro
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- Forward
- Height:
- 5-7
- Weight:
- 155
- Prev School:
- North Carolina
- Hometown:
- Hilo, Hawaii
Previous School
Prep
Personal
Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I knew Liberty was the right place for me as soon as I came on my visit. The facilities and culture were amazing, but what mattered most was the Christ-centered environment.
Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I pray with my dad before every game. It helps me stay rooted in my foundation in Christ and remind me that I'm so loved regardless of how the game goes.
Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My parents are my biggest inspirations because of their Christ-like character and the many sacrifices—both seen and unseen—they’ve made for me that have shaped who I am and continue to inspire me every day.
What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Scoring 20 goals in the MLS Next with IMG Academy, being named an MLS Next All-Star, and winning Offensive Player of the Year in one season.
If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I was born on the 17th of October.
Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Breakfast - Eggs, bacon, pancakes. Lunch - Ramen. Dinner - Steak. Special meal - Sushi.
What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Bible App (quote of the day)
What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Hanging with friends and gaming are some things I enjoy.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Cristiano Ronaldo
What is your favorite possession and why?
Phone because it helps me stay connected with friends and family around the world.
What is your Go-To karaoke song?
“When I Was Your Man” - Bruno Mars
What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Japan because of the food.
- Attended North Carolina for two seasons
- Two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member
Prep
- Graduate of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
- Served as team captain and leading scorer each of his four years at IMG
- Member of MLS NEXT conference championship team as a senior
- MLS NEXT All-Star and Offensive Player of the Year as a junior
- Two-time IMG Cup champion
- Helped lead Sarasota Paradise to back-to-back USL South Florida Division Championships in 2024 and 2025
- Member of the National Honor Society
- President of the UNICEF Club
Personal
- Son of Mayumi and Gene Tamashiro
- Majoring in sport management
- Also speaks Hawaiian and Japanese
- Birthday is Oct. 17
Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I knew Liberty was the right place for me as soon as I came on my visit. The facilities and culture were amazing, but what mattered most was the Christ-centered environment.
Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I pray with my dad before every game. It helps me stay rooted in my foundation in Christ and remind me that I'm so loved regardless of how the game goes.
Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My parents are my biggest inspirations because of their Christ-like character and the many sacrifices—both seen and unseen—they’ve made for me that have shaped who I am and continue to inspire me every day.
What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Scoring 20 goals in the MLS Next with IMG Academy, being named an MLS Next All-Star, and winning Offensive Player of the Year in one season.
If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I was born on the 17th of October.
Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Breakfast - Eggs, bacon, pancakes. Lunch - Ramen. Dinner - Steak. Special meal - Sushi.
What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Bible App (quote of the day)
What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Hanging with friends and gaming are some things I enjoy.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Cristiano Ronaldo
What is your favorite possession and why?
Phone because it helps me stay connected with friends and family around the world.
What is your Go-To karaoke song?
“When I Was Your Man” - Bruno Mars
What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Japan because of the food.
Liberty Men's Soccer Defeats Lindenwood
Monday, October 13
Tyler Beck & Leo Conneh Talk About The Win Over Lindenwood
Monday, October 13
Gameday with Men's Soccer
Friday, October 10
Luke Eberle: Changing Lives with Shoes
Tuesday, September 16
