Ben Ohai may not often be in the spotlight, but his impact is deeply felt in the world of sports through the incredible achievements of his daughter, Kealia Ohai. While Kealia rose to fame as a professional soccer player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the U.S. Women’s National Team, her strong foundation in sports, values, and discipline were deeply rooted in her family environment—guided by her father, Ben Ohai. This article explores the life and background of Ben Ohai, his role as a supportive parent, and the family values that shaped a soccer star.
Quick bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ben Ohai |
| Famous as | Kealia Ohai’s Father |
| Profession | N/A |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Place of Birth | Hawaii, United States |
| Age | N/A |
| Current Residency | California, United States |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Cindy Ohai |
| Children | Kealia Ohai, Megan Cushing, Cambria Ohai, Aubrey Ohai |
| Parents | N/A |
| Sibling | N/A |
| Gender | Male |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Family Background
Very little has been publicly documented about Ben Ohai’s early life. However, it’s clear that he carries a heritage rich in culture and values. Of Samoan descent, Ben brings with him a cultural identity that emphasizes family unity, humility, and perseverance. These principles have clearly found their way into his children’s upbringing. He has built a solid family foundation with his wife, Cindy Ohai, raising daughters who would grow up to be high-achieving athletes and well-rounded individuals.
The Ohai Household: A Foundation of Support
Ben Ohai’s parenting philosophy appears to center around encouragement, discipline, and active participation. With both Kealia and her sister Megan Ohai going on to pursue competitive soccer careers, it’s evident that the Ohai household placed a high value on sports and education. Rather than being a passive observer, Ben played an active role in attending games, practices, and supporting his daughters through every challenge. While his wife, Cindy, often took on the logistical and emotional coordination of the household, Ben brought a calming and steady presence that gave his children confidence in every stage of life.
Raising a Star: Ben’s Influence on Kealia’s Journey
Kealia Ohai credits much of her early success to her family’s unwavering support, and Ben played a significant role in that support system. As a father, he wasn’t just cheering from the sidelines—he was offering guidance, reassurance, and sometimes even tough love to keep his daughter focused and humble. While Kealia developed her competitive edge and athletic skills on the field, at home Ben helped reinforce mental toughness and personal discipline.
It’s one thing to support a child through sports when it’s a hobby, but quite another when that sport becomes a professional career. Ben Ohai remained consistent throughout, supporting his daughter’s ambitions from her high school years in Utah through college and into her professional life.
Values and Parenting Philosophy
The Samoan culture, which is part of Ben Ohai’s heritage, places strong emphasis on respect, community, and faith. These values became the cornerstone of the Ohai family’s lifestyle. Ben instilled a deep sense of humility and integrity in his daughters, constantly reminding them that success is meaningful only when grounded in character. While many parents can be overly focused on accolades and scholarships, Ben was known for valuing growth and effort just as much, if not more.
Ben’s parenting was a balanced combination of support and accountability. His expectations were always high, but not unreasonably so. He understood the importance of allowing his daughters the space to grow, fail, and succeed on their own terms while still being there as a safety net when needed.
The Role of Faith and Community in Ben’s Life
Faith and community involvement appear to be integral parts of Ben Ohai’s life. The Ohai family has long been associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and their belief system has provided a moral compass that guided both daily life and long-term decisions. For Ben, being a father was not just about providing materially, but spiritually and emotionally as well.
Community engagement was also important. Whether it was school functions, church activities, or local soccer tournaments, Ben made it a point to be present and involved. His commitment to community helped reinforce a strong sense of belonging and identity for his daughters.
A Look at the Ohai Siblings: Megan and Kealia
Both of Ben’s daughters, Megan and Kealia, were standout athletes in their own right. Megan played collegiate soccer at the University of Southern California and won a national championship in 2007. While Megan chose not to pursue professional sports, her competitive nature and team spirit were influential to Kealia during her development years.
Ben’s support did not favor one child over the other. He celebrated their individual accomplishments and ensured they felt equally valued and supported. This kind of parenting often results in children who are confident, grounded, and emotionally secure—and that certainly appears to be the case in the Ohai family.
Ben Ohai in the Public Eye
While Ben Ohai himself stays mostly away from media attention, glimpses of his life appear during interviews and moments when Kealia publicly acknowledges her family’s support. On social media and in post-game interviews, Kealia has often referred to her father as one of her biggest supporters. His presence is also felt in family photos, public celebrations, and even during major life events, such as Kealia’s marriage to NFL player J.J. Watt.
Though he doesn’t seek the spotlight, Ben has earned public respect as the father who raised not only a soccer star, but a strong, humble, and kind-hearted woman.
A Father’s Legacy Through His Children
Ben Ohai’s greatest legacy is undoubtedly the life values and strength of character he helped instill in his daughters. His approach to fatherhood—grounded in humility, faith, support, and cultural heritage—sets an example for parents raising children in high-performance fields like sports. In many ways, his story is a quiet one. But it’s precisely that quiet strength that often forms the backbone of exceptional individuals.
Kealia Ohai’s career—marked by resilience, athleticism, and grace—is not just a product of talent and training but of upbringing. And for that, Ben Ohai stands out as an unsung hero.
The Influence Lives On
Today, as Kealia transitions into new chapters of life—family, personal endeavors, and potential mentoring roles—Ben’s influence continues to be visible. Her work ethic, gracious personality, and balanced lifestyle are a testament to the early foundation built by her parents. Ben may have never played on a professional field, but through his daughter, he has made a lasting impact in the world of sports.
Conclusion: More Than Just Kealia’s Father
In answering the question, “Who is Ben Ohai?” it’s clear that he is much more than just the father of a famous soccer player. He is a devoted parent, a cultural bridge, a moral guide, and a quiet force of support behind an extraordinary athlete. His story reminds us that the success of individuals is often built upon the love, wisdom, and resilience of those behind the scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ben Ohai?
- Ben Ohai is the father of professional soccer player Kealia Ohai and a key figure in her early development and success.
2. What is Ben Ohai’s background?
- Ben Ohai is of Samoan heritage and has always emphasized faith, discipline, and cultural values in his parenting.
3. Is Ben Ohai involved in sports?
- While he is not a professional athlete, Ben played an active role in supporting his daughters’ athletic pursuits.
4. How many children does Ben Ohai have?
- He has two daughters—Kealia Ohai and Megan Ohai—both of whom have played competitive soccer.
5. What role did Ben Ohai play in Kealia’s career?
- Ben was a supportive and encouraging father who helped guide Kealia emotionally and mentally throughout her journey in sports.
