The update says Mateaki led Dimond High School through a season without defeat before the Lynx claimed the Division I state title. The midfielder’s influence extended beyond goals, with his pace, technical quality and composure making him a constant attacking threat.
Coach Seth O’Banion described Mateaki as a player who raised the level of the entire team throughout matches. That assessment helps explain why the award feels like more than recognition for individual production: Mateaki appears to have been central to Dimond’s identity as well as its results.
His reported contribution in the final was particularly decisive, with Dimond defeating West Valley by 1-0 to secure the championship.
The honor also adds another chapter to the Mateaki family’s place in Anchorage sport. The update says Jared is the second Dimond boys’ soccer player to win the award and the third member of his family to receive it.
His sisters Mai Mateaki and Kana Mateaki previously earned the girls’ soccer honor. Jared has reportedly credited his teammates, coaches and family, framing the award as a reward for years of commitment rather than a solo achievement.
That balance will matter as he moves into the next stage. A successful high-school career can open doors, but adapting to college football demands greater physicality, faster decisions and consistency against older opponents.
The wider local college scene is also seeing change. Tobin Karlberg is reportedly moving into an assistant-coaching role at Point Loma Nazarene University after ending his playing career, following recent work with the University of Alaska Fairbanks men’s program.
Recruiting activity continues elsewhere, with UAA Nordic skiing adding several newcomers and UAF women’s basketball bringing in players from Bellevue College.
For Mateaki, the next storyline is whether his standout Dimond season can translate into a strong college opportunity-and whether the family’s award tradition continues.