Faith Fuels Eli Cabrera’s Leadership at O’Dea

SEATTLE — For senior Eli Cabrera, leadership at O’Dea extends beyond the football field. Since transferring to the school as a sophomore, Cabrera has earned two football state titles while developing a stronger faith that influences how he approaches the sport, supports his teammates, and prepares the next generation of Fighting Irish athletes.

Cabrera has always been a Christian, but his time at O’Dea has brought significant growth to his faith. Taking a theology class, attending all-school masses, and daily prayer are all tools that have sparked his spiritual growth. He implements his improved relationship with God in school as a Mentor Group and Waterford House captain, and on the football field as well. 

Although he was not named an official captain of the 2026 football team, Cabrera still brings the lessons that faith has taught him into the sport to help the team grow stronger in many ways. 

One principle Cabrera keeps in mind is “The one who works is the one who gets rewarded”. He knows that God has given him many strengths, but it is ultimately his responsibility to develop and use those talents. 

Cabrera makes it a point to mentor the younger guys on the team. As Cabrera explained, “I supply the younger guys with the skills I have learned.” 

Cabrera knows how important a strong faith can be in sports and draws upon that to lead by example and help the O’Dea teams of the future build on the program’s success.