By Thomas Gutierrez Jr.

Oceanside CA— Christopher “Kiki” Laie’s summer highlights have been plentiful so far. The senior has been navigating through the passing tournaments and off-season camps that have become almost a right of passage for those considered college level players. And the process has reaped dividends for the 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-treat player. Going into his final season, the soft-spoken Oceanside High School Pirate has already garnered three Division-1 offers from the beautiful landscapes of the University of Idaho and Wyoming, to the gorgeous beaches surrounding the University of Hawaii.
While maintaining a 3.5 GPA, Laie’s plans for playing at the next level are still developing. “I’m extremely blessed to receive those offers, but also other programs have been showing interest as Washington, Boise State, Oregon State, Fresno State, and Southern Utah,” said Laie.
Known as Kiki to most, the humble senior’s passion to be part of the tradition of Pirate football was simply inherent from his DNA at birth. “My entire family went to Oceanside, but my big brothers Donovan Laie (University of Arizona) and Tommy Woo inspired me to play for the Oceanside Pirates,” explained Laie. “I always wanted to be a part of that Pirate legacy of winning championships.”
Off the edge is how the defensive end – tight end has been handling his business on the gridiron since the age of 7. On the defensive side of the ball, Laie’s ability to read offensive schemes and get off the ball quickly will keep offensive coordinators on their toes all season. On the other side of the ball, his combination of good footwork, soft hands and a knack for running tight routes, should open up the offense for Oceanside football in the upcoming season.
With a subpar 2018 season in Pirate standards, the Captain of the Pirate ship, and fifth year head coach, David Rodriguez, knows the importance of Laie for a winning season. “I’ve learned not to take anything for granted. We are fortunate to have many vets returning and talented players rising, but Kiki is going to be a major part of our plan,” explained Rodriguez. “He is a starter on offense, defense, and at least 3 Special Teams units. He is so humble, but extremely hungry to help get Oceanside back to the top of the Avocado League and San Diego Section. I am excited for him and his teammates this season!” And so far the Pirate’s are on track, going 12-1 in passing league, including a heroic catch from Kiki to defeat St. Augustine and capture the 2019 SDSU Passing Tournament Championships.
With training camp just around the corner, he and his teammates are continuing the grind during the off-season with plans to fortify the 2019 Oceanside Pirates and reset them to the place where they belong, on top.
You can watch Kiki Laie and the Pirates when they open up their season at home with a non-conference match-up August 23 against San Clemente High School as they look to redeem their 34-19 defeat to the Tritons last season