The Underdog Foundation: A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience

Building Stronger Athletes, Stronger Families, and a Stronger Hawai‘i

The Underdog Foundation began as a vision to uplift young athletes who often get overlooked—the ones who simply need opportunity, belief, and guidance to unlock their full potential. What started as a grassroots effort to support Maui’s youth has grown into a thriving movement dedicated to athletic development, academic support, and overall mental and emotional wellbeing. At our core, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality training, mentorship, and resources—regardless of circumstance.

Today, The Underdog Foundation proudly serves over 190 youth athletes, providing not only elite-level performance training but also structure, mentorship, and a safe environment where young people can grow in confidence, character, and resilience. We have hosted four UA Next All-America camps, helping 35 local athletes earn more than $8 million in college scholarships, and have created a system of programs designed to build strong athletes and even stronger people.

One of the most impactful pillars of our work is the Underdog Impact Program—a year-round initiative that delivers monthly clinics, trainings, seminars, and community events that would otherwise be out of reach for many Maui families. From sport-specific development to mental health and wellness workshops, this program ensures that every young athlete has access to meaningful opportunities that broaden their horizons, build skills, and strengthen their overall wellbeing. Many of these clinics also support families recovering from the Maui wildfires, offering a safe space for healing, connection, and community rebuilding.

Our mission is further supported through the growth and development of the TUF Fieldhouse, our 12,000-square-foot training and community facility. As we work to elevate the standard of athletic development on Maui, we are continuously upgrading this space to meet the needs of our athletes and families. Upcoming priorities include installing new wall padding for athlete safety, completing our classroom and media studio, and upgrading our weight room to meet the demands of advanced youth and high school athletes. These improvements directly impact the quality of our programs and the safety and success of every young person who trains with us.

Another critical component of our future is the TUF Marketing Program, which will allow us to expand our reach, tell powerful stories, and attract the support needed to sustain our programs. Effective marketing isn’t just promotion—it is the heartbeat of our ability to secure funding, share impact, and bring more opportunities to Maui’s youth. With the launch of the TUF Talk Podcast, expanded video storytelling, and community engagement campaigns, we are building a communication engine that will help us grow and serve more families. Donor support plays a direct role in making this possible.

As we step into a new season, we invite you to lock arms with us. Your support—whether through monthly giving, annual donations, sponsorships, or volunteering—directly fuels our ability to serve Maui’s youth at the highest level. Every dollar strengthens the Underdog Impact Program, enhances our TUF Fieldhouse, and empowers us to tell the stories that move our community forward.

Together, we can continue creating life-changing opportunities that build confidence, inspire resilience, and help young athletes rise above challenges. With your partnership, The Underdog Foundation will continue transforming lives—one athlete, one family, and one community at a time.

Join us in this mission of empowerment and hope. Together, we unleash the potential within every underdog.