When Juan Diego Catholic High School senior Hauroa “Roa” Morgant arrived on U.S. soil from Tahiti two years ago, he simply wanted to play soccer, the game he had played all his life in his homeland. He hasn’t just been able to be on the field for the Soaring Eagle squad, but he has imprinted his name here as he broke the Utah state record for goals in a season—of 43 by American Leadership Academy’s Mahonry “Titi” Chichia. On May 3, during the team’s second round game in the 3A state tournament—a 9-0 win over Grantsville—he scored five goals to end that game with 44 goals on the year with still more to play.

But, as impressive as his individual achievement is, Morgant was wanting to put that celebration on ice as he and his teammates had a different goal in mind: a state championship.

“It’s cool to break the record, and it’s a good thing, but we really want to hold the trophy at the end,” Morgant said. “I wouldn’t be here without my teammates and that’s what we are really focused on so I’ll wait to celebrate this achievement until after the season.”

JDCHS head coach Joe Baca said that during a team bonding activity in St. George to begin the season, Morgant set a goal to “give it a shot” to break the record. 

“The goal drove him game by game and, while each player set their own goals, it was really a team event to help Roa reach his,” he said. “Having success early in the year really gave him the belief that he could do it.”

With the Grantsville game well in hand, up 8-0, Morgant was subbed out of the game when he netted his record-breaking goal to enjoy the moment with his teammates and the home crowd at Soaring Eagle Stadium. Athletic Director Ted Bianco also announced the achievement at halftime to further recognize the senior’s accomplishment.

The son of Manuhangi Morgant and Teura Tching of Tahiti who lives with a host family—the Mananui’s in South Jordan—said he has worked every day in practice and in the gym to be the best in the state. “If you want to be on the field, you work. If you want to be the best, you work hard,” Morgant said. “I think my parents are really proud of me.”

Baca said that Morgant is an incredible mentor to his Soaring Eagle teammates. “He’s the example of waiting your turn and staying humble while gaining confidence,” he said. “He’s evolved to be the top goal scorer through continuing to work hard even if you don’t get to play.”

Morgant has been playing soccer since he was 4 years old and has paved the way for three younger brothers to also develop in the sport that is a mainstay on his island. “Everyone plays soccer there,” Morgant said, noting that the first year away from his family was difficult because of the separation and his “bad English,” but this second season has been “way better.” 

“Soccer is everything to me and has taught me everything,” Morgant said. “I can’t live without soccer.”

Juan Diego’s No. 9 has also gone back to represent his country on the Tahitian national team—as a captain for the U17 team as well as the U20 squad which tried to qualify for the 2022 World Cup—which fills him with tremendous pride. “We are a little island in the middle of nowhere, and I feel so proud to represent my country,” he said.

Morgant scored the one and only goal of the 3A state championship game against Morgan, fulfilling his ultimate goal of the team title and added to his state record with 45 goals.

The graduating senior is now hoping to play collegiate soccer in the fall. One thing is proven though—Morgant can certainly put the ball in the net. λ