Next Level Mindset

by Lamar Darden and Zion Moimoi

SEATTLE- For seniors Kingston Fotualii and David Schwerzel, football has never been about talent. It has been about trust, God’s timing, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. Their paths to college football were shaped by commitment flips, heavy expectations, and constant attention. Instead of letting that pressure break them, it became the foundation of their preparation. 

Fotualii’s journey changed when he flipped his commitment from Washington State University to Iowa State University. The decision was not rushed. When the head coach he trusted at Washington State was announced as the new head coach at Iowa State, he chose to follow him. That choice showed leadership, development, and vision.

Fotualii said, “I knew I had to be in the right program with the right people to grow both on and off the field. I am so thankful for the Lord’s guidance and blessed to be where I am today.”

He did not chase comfort. He chose a program where he felt he would grow as a player and as a man. 

That flip brought automatic pressure. People questioned the move and expected results right away. He understands that Big 12 football demands toughness, discipline, and accountability, and he is preparing himself to meet that standard.

Fotualii reflected, “Every day in practice is a chance to prove I belong. Talent only takes you so far. Discipline and focus get you the rest of the way, and I feel truly blessed for the process God has put me through.”  

Schwerzel’s recruiting journey was even more demanding. He flipped his commitment three times, going from UCLA to Stanford, back to UCLA, and finally to the University of Washington. Each decision brought stress, outside opinions, and public attention. Few athletes experience that level of pressure at such a young age. 

The pressure on him never went away. Recruiting calls and expectations followed every move. Instead of losing focus, he learned how to block out the noise and trust his judgment.

Schwerzel said, “I had to learn to trust myself even when everyone else had an opinion. I feel blessed for the way things unfolded and thankful for the opportunity to grow through it all.”

Every flip forced him to mature mentally and emotionally. By the time he committed to Washington, his decision was clear, confident, and based on long-term growth rather than outside influence. 

On the field, both Fotualii and Schwerzel are preparing for a faster, stronger, and more physical level of football. College football exposes mistakes quickly. Because of that, their preparation has changed. Workouts are more focused. Practice is treated like a proving ground. Mental discipline is just as important as physical ability. They know talent alone will not be enough.

Schwerzel noted, “The speed of the game in college will test every part of you physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve been training all sides for that and I’m thankful for the process.” 

Off the field, the pressure continues. Balancing academics, recruiting, and expectations has tested their discipline. Maintaining grades, staying eligible, and representing future programs has forced both athletes to take responsibility early. They understand that college football demands maturity long before the first game.  

What separates them from others is their mindset. Flipping commitments was not a sign of weakness. It was a sign of awareness. They chose fitness, development, and trust over rushing decisions. The stress they faced prepared them for what is coming next.

Fotualii said, “Pressure doesn’t break you. It shapes you if you let it. I am blessed for every step of this journey and thankful for the Lord’s plan.” 

Their stories prove the next level is not just reached by ability. It is earned through pressure, discipline, and preparation. They are not just getting ready for college football. They are preparing to compete and succeed when they arrive.