Jared Mateaki is the second Dimond boys soccer player in five years to win Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year honors. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report
Jared Mateaki has the ability to change the outcome of a game and usually did for the Dimond boys soccer team this season.
The Lynx were 13-0 when he recorded at least one point, including his assist on the only goal in a 1-0 victory over West Valley in the final of last month’s ASAA Division I state tournament.
The best player on the best team in the state, Mateaki earned the ultimate individual honor over the weekend after being named Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year.
“Jared’s exceptional speed, technical ability and composure on the ball make him a dynamic and consistent offensive threat,” Dimond coach Seth O’Banion told the selection committee.
The 5-foot-8 senior midfielder racked up 14 goals and 16 assists for the 18-0-1 Lynx.
Mateaki produced some huge games, notching six assists against Eagle River, a hat trick against South Anchorage and racking up two goals and three assists against Bartlett.
In the quarterfinals of the state tournament, he found the back of the net twice in a 4-1 win over Chugiak.
In the title game, he set up Kai Walker’s goal to beat West Valley and cap an unbeaten season, giving Dimond its first state championship since 2018.
“His ability to impact every phase of the game elevates the performance of those around him,” O’Banion said.
Mateaki’s older sisters Mai and Kana each won the girls Gatorade honor for Dimond, with Kana winning in 2020 and Mai in 2024.
Boys Soccer
Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year
Recent Winners
2026 – Jared Mateaki, Dimond
2025 – Kai Ciambor, Juneau
2024 – Jack Hickox, South
2023 – David Elliott, Colony
2022 – Joseph Butzke, Dimond
2021 – Hatcher Manning, Service
2020 – Vaughn Simpson, West Valley
