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Make Momma Proud: SMU commit Pupungatoa Katoa leaving legacy his mother, Si'i, would be proud of

On3 imageby: Billy Embody09/03/25BillyEmbody

For Euless (Tex.) Trinity OL and SMU football commit Pupungatoa Katoa, life looks different since May 15, 2023. The passing of his mother, Ilaisaane “Si’i” Likio-Katoa, changed everything for him and his family.

Cervical cancer claimed the life of Toa’s mother, but his story is much more about how father, Toni, his brother, Fohe, and Toa came together to make her proud.

In Tongan culture, “Toa” means warrior and after watching his mother battle cancer, he turned his attention more to the football field to play in her honor.

Just short of the two-year anniversary of his mother’s passing, Toa committed to SMU over Oklahoma, Texas A&M and others. He’s staying close to home, something he shared would make her proud.

“Katoa” means “all” in the Tongan language. Toa has it tattooed on forearm. Every time he put his right into the dirt, he represents the family. Embedded in his Polynesian sleeve tattoo is his mother’s last heartbeat.

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Many people wear their hearts on their sleeve; Toa literally wears his mother’s heart on his sleeve. A constant reminder to live as she would want him to, to take care of his younger brother, & be representative of Jesus Christ.

When it was time to make his college visits, SMU won out during an emotional official visit. Toa’s mother was there with his aunt Jenny stepping in as an extension of Si’i to help give Toa the guidance he needed. Jenny blessed his commitment to the Mustangs.

With his senior year underway, Toa looks to keep his impressive career going in his mother’s honor. At SMU, he’ll stay close to her, just like she would’ve wanted.

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