RAHITI TINIRAUARII ‘26

Rahiti tinirauarii – Tahiti (French polynesia)

Meet Rahiti Tinirauarii, a dedicated 17-year-old junior at Anthem Prep. Originally from the islands of Tahiti in French Polynesia, Tahiti is located in the South Pacific, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It has shaped Rahiti's early life and deep connection to his roots.

Rahiti hails from a close-knit family. The youngest of four, he has two older brothers and an older sister. His journey to Utah in 2022 was motivated by a desire to progress in basketball and personal growth. His brother, Raimoana Tinirauarii, set a high bar by securing a D1 scholarship in both football and basketball at Weber State University after attending Juan Diego High School in Utah.

Choosing Utah was a strategic family decision rooted in existing familial ties and their membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This move also balanced Rahiti's athletic goals with his educational and spiritual growth. Initially enrolled at Juan Diego like his brother, Rahiti moved to Anthem Prep following a new state sports regulation affecting international students' participation in varsity sports.

At Anthem Prep, Rahiti has found a supportive environment that aligns with his aspirations to play basketball at a higher level and, eventually, his dream of joining the NBA and becoming a role model for Tahitian youth.

His journey is a testament to the power of family legacy, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams across borders.