Ben Ohai stands as the proud father behind one of soccer’s brightest stars. The former BYU wrestler turned Utah educator has watched his daughter, Kealia Ohai Watt, rise from local youth leagues to professional soccer fields. His story weaves together athletic achievement, family devotion, and quiet community service.
Who is Ben Ohai?
Most people discover Ben through his famous daughter, but his own journey tells a compelling tale. From college wrestling mats to soccer sidelines, he has maintained the same steady presence that once made him a two-time All-American athlete. Today, he balances his role as a teacher in Utah’s Granite School District with being the ultimate soccer dad, traveling across the country to support Kealia’s career.
The man behind the scenes has built a life rooted in Hawaiian heritage and Utah values. His approach to parenting reflects the discipline he learned as a competitive wrestler, combined with the nurturing spirit of an educator who understands how to help young people reach their potential.
Early Life & Hawaiian Roots
Ben’s Hawaiian background shaped his character from an early age. Growing up in the island culture taught him the importance of family support and community connection. The Ohai name carries significance in Hawaiian tradition, representing strength and perseverance that would later define his approach to athletics and parenting.
His childhood in Hawaii provided a foundation of cultural values that emphasized respect for others and dedication to chosen pursuits. These principles would prove essential when he transitioned from island life to the competitive world of college wrestling. The move from Hawaii to Utah marked the beginning of a new chapter, but Ben carried his island roots with him.
The cultural bridge between Hawaiian warmth and Utah determination created a unique perspective that Ben would later pass on to his children. His ability to blend different cultural influences became one of his greatest strengths as a parent and mentor.
College Wrestler: BYU Years and Achievements
Ben’s wrestling career at Brigham Young University established him as a serious competitor. He earned All-American honors twice, placing him among the elite college wrestlers of his era. The achievement required years of rigorous training, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Wrestling at the Division I level taught Ben valuable lessons about preparation, persistence, and handling pressure. These skills would prove transferable to every aspect of his later life. The wrestling room became his laboratory for learning how to push through difficult moments and maintain focus under intense scrutiny.
His BYU years also introduced him to Utah’s unique blend of athletic tradition and academic excellence. The university’s emphasis on character development alongside athletic achievement aligned perfectly with Ben’s personal values. This experience shaped his understanding of how sports can build life skills beyond competition.
The discipline required for wrestling success created habits that Ben maintained throughout his adult life. His ability to set goals, work systematically toward them, and stay committed through setbacks became a model for his children to follow.
Transition: Family Life and Move to Utah
After college, Ben shifted his focus from personal athletic achievement to building a family legacy. He settled in Draper, Utah, where he could combine career opportunities with access to youth sports programs. The transition from competitor to supporter required a different kind of strength.
Marriage and parenthood introduced new challenges that tested the mental toughness he had developed as a wrestler. Instead of training for his own competitions, Ben began investing his energy in creating opportunities for his children. The soccer fields of Utah became his new arena, where he cheered from the sidelines rather than competing center stage.
His decision to remain in Utah reflected practical considerations about schools, community support, and youth athletic programs. Draper offered the perfect environment for raising active children who could pursue their own athletic dreams. The move proved wise when Kealia began showing exceptional soccer talent.
Ben’s approach to being a soccer dad drew directly from his wrestling experience. He understood the importance of consistent practice, proper coaching, and emotional support during both victories and defeats. His presence at games provided stability that allowed his children to focus on their performance.
Profession Today: Teacher and Community Presence
Ben chose education as his career path, working as a teacher within Utah’s Granite School District. The profession allowed him to impact young lives while maintaining the flexibility needed to support his family’s athletic pursuits. Teaching became another way for him to apply the mentoring skills he had developed.
His classroom approach reflects the same patient persistence that made him successful as a wrestler. Students respond to his genuine interest in their development and his ability to break complex concepts into manageable steps. The skills that helped him master wrestling techniques now help students master academic challenges.
Working in education also kept Ben connected to youth development beyond his own family. He sees firsthand how proper guidance and encouragement can transform young people’s trajectories. This broader perspective enhances his effectiveness as a parent and community member.
The teaching profession provides Ben with summers free to travel with Kealia’s teams and attend major tournaments. This flexibility proved crucial during her rise through the youth soccer ranks and into professional competition. His career choice supported the family’s athletic goals while contributing to his community.
The Family Anchor: Raising Kealia and Siblings
Ben’s role in Kealia’s development goes beyond typical parental support. He became her most consistent fan, traveling to tournaments across the country and providing the emotional stability needed for elite competition. His wrestling background helped him understand the mental aspects of high-level athletics.
Rather than pushing from the sidelines, Ben learned to offer guidance when asked and space when needed. He recognized that Kealia’s soccer journey required different skills from his wrestling career, but the underlying principles of dedication and resilience remained the same. His support style adapted to her needs as an athlete and person.
The family dynamic created an environment where athletic achievement was celebrated but never demanded. Ben and his wife raised children who understood that effort mattered more than outcomes. This approach allowed Kealia to develop intrinsic motivation for soccer while maintaining perspective about life beyond sports.
Memorable Public Moments
Local Utah media began featuring Ben as the proud father when Kealia’s college career gained national attention. His humble demeanor in interviews reflected the same character that made him respected in his wrestling days. He consistently deflected praise toward his daughter’s hard work and her coaches’ guidance.
One particularly memorable moment came when reporters asked about his proudest parenting achievement. Ben responded that watching Kealia maintain her values and work ethic meant more than any trophy or recognition. His answer revealed the depth of character that made him effective as both wrestler and father.
Public Profile & Social Presence
Ben maintains a modest social media presence that focuses on family celebrations and community events. His Instagram account shows glimpses of a man who finds joy in simple moments, whether attending Kealia’s games or spending time with extended family. The posts reveal someone more interested in relationships than recognition.
His online activity reflects the same authenticity that characterizes his offline interactions. Rather than seeking attention, Ben uses social platforms to stay connected with friends and share pride in his daughter’s achievements. This approach has earned him respect from soccer fans who appreciate his genuine support.
The public can find Ben at major soccer events, often wearing simple team gear and blending into the crowd of parents. His presence provides Kealia with family support while allowing her to maintain focus on competition. This balance demonstrates his understanding of when to be visible and when to step back.
What People Search Next
Readers interested in Ben Ohai often want to learn more about Kealia’s journey from youth soccer to professional success. The story of their family shows how parental support can nurture talent without creating pressure. Ben’s wrestling background provides context for understanding his approach to athletic development.
The connection between Ben and NFL star JJ Watt, who married Kealia, adds another dimension to public interest. Ben’s relationship with his son-in-law reflects his ability to welcome new family members while maintaining the close bonds that define the Ohai family.
Utah’s rich tradition of producing elite athletes makes Ben’s story part of a larger narrative about how the state supports youth sports. His experience as both participant and parent offers insights into what makes Utah’s athletic programs successful.
Quick Timeline
Ben’s journey spans from his 1990s wrestling success at BYU through family building in the early 2000s and into his current role as educator and soccer dad. The wrestling achievements laid the groundwork for understanding competition, while the transition to parenthood shifted his focus to supporting others’ dreams. Kealia’s rise through youth soccer in the 2010s brought Ben into public view as a supportive father. Today, he continues teaching while enjoying his expanded role as grandfather and mentor to young athletes throughout Utah’s soccer community.
Final Snapshot: How to Remember Ben Ohai
Ben Ohai represents the best qualities of athletic competition translated into family life and community service. His wrestling success taught him about dedication and perseverance, but his true achievement lies in raising children who embody those same values. The quiet strength that made him an All-American wrestler now supports a new generation of athletes and students.
Those who meet Ben remember his genuine interest in others and his ability to offer encouragement without judgment. Whether in the classroom, on soccer sidelines, or in community gatherings, he brings the same authentic presence that made him successful as a competitor. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories happen away from the spotlight, in the daily work of supporting others’ dreams.
