LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Semo (Woodie) Taeatafa was nominated by his friend, Hawley Woods.

"Woodie Taeatafa has been changing lives for as long as I have known him, which is at least 35 years," explains Woods. "I met him when I was in high school. His sister and I played against each other in high school. For years, when we played pick-up volleyball games at Southwestern College, Woodie would coach us up."  

Mr. Taeatafa is a pillar in the volleyball community and has coached on several championship teams at Bonita Vista High School and other programs across San Diego County. He has helped several volleyball players make it to the division one level on scholarship, and has helped hundreds of students love the sport of volleyball. However, Woodie's daytime gig is the one where he makes the most significant difference: helping middle schoolers with their counseling needs. Not only is Mr. Taeatafa a positive role model, but he also stands up and fights for all the programs and students under his care. He is an advocate and a friend to many kids who don't have one in their lives. 

"We need more people like Woodie in our community making a positive difference. He's a school leader who's often called on to step up after someone has retired...Recently, I discovered that Mr. Taeatafa is leading the robotics team at Bonita Vista Middle School. When he reached out to me for a donation, I did not hesitate because I know the difference and the hard work he is putting in, so the least I could do is support," said Woods.  

Mr. Taeatafa's office is warm and friendly, and he is committed to fostering a nurturing yet structured atmosphere for the students he has counseled. He is also a family man. The Taeatafa family is well-known in the Chula Vista, National City, and Bonita communities. He and his siblings are a result of the school district he teaches and coaches in, Sweetwater Union High School District. That being said, Mr. Taeatafa has always supported his nieces, nephews, and friends of those that affectionately call him Uncle!

"Woodie is who we all look for when working with children, especially this demanding age group," said Woods.