Laveni Vaka
Tongan-American soccer player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Laveni Vaka (born August 11, 2001) is a footballer who plays as a defender for Fort Lauderdale United FC of the USL Super League. Born in the United States, she is a Tonga international.[2][3]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 11, 2001 | ||
| Place of birth | Sandy, Utah, United States[1] | ||
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Fort Lauderdale United FC | ||
| Number | 5 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Bombers Elite | |||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2019–2023 | BYU Cougars | 97 | (0) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Fort Lauderdale United FC | 24 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2014 | United States U14 | ||
| 2018– | Tonga | 5 | (1) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 23:09, April 2, 2026 (UTC) | |||
Club career
Vaka started her career with BYU Cougars in the United States.[4][5][6][7] She was drafted by Bay FC in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL Draft on January 12, 2024.[8] Vaka was subsequently not signed to Bay FC ahead of their 2024 season.
She signed with Fort Lauderdale United FC in May 2024, becoming the first Tongan professional female soccer player.[9] She started all 18 of Fort Lauderdale United's matches before sustaining an ACL injury in March 2025.[10]
International career
Vaka attended training camp with the United States under-14 team in 2014.[11]
She represents the Tonga national team.[2][3]
Personal life
Her twin sister, Davi, is also a professional soccer player. Davi played briefly for Fort Lauderdale United FC during the 2024–25 season, becoming the second ever Tongan professional female soccer player after Laveni.[12] Davi currently plays for Sporting Club Jacksonville, and also represents the Tonga national team at the international level.[3][13]
Honors
Individual
