When Tutu Tamaalevea was coaching his Benson Bruins U13 football team earlier this year, he got a surprising question from a Yelm parent: Had he heard the news? Rex Norris had just stepped down as Yelm High School's head football coach after the 2025-26 season, leaving a big opening in the powerhouse 4A SPSL.
"I think you'd be the best fit," local parents told Tamaalevea. "I think you should try it out. It doesn't hurt to try."
So the longtime semi-professional and youth coach did his homework. Yelm's football community is one of the tightest in the South Sound, with fans packing the local high school stadium every Friday night. The Tornados climbed to Class 4A after back-to-back 3A state championship appearances in 2022 and 2023—including a title win in 2022—under legendary head coach Jason Ronquillo. Eatonville's Norris took over in 2025, and Tamaalevea knew he had big shoes to fill.
Just four days after his first interview in April—and only hours after his second—Yelm called with the news: the job was his. The school officially announced the hire Monday, pending board approval next week.
"It was a dream come true," Tamaalevea told The News Tribune. "It was a blessing. I'm just ready to rebuild and be there for these kids in the community."
Yelm struggled in 2025, winning just three games in the state's most competitive league. But their new head coach isn't afraid of a challenge. Tamaalevea is a four-time champion at the semi-professional level, leading the Western Washington Football Alliance's Puyallup Kings to three national championships from 2016 to 2018. He joined the Grit City Knights in 2024 and captured consecutive regional titles—first as offensive coordinator in 2024, then as head coach in 2025—and is now on the verge of another three-peat this spring.
"Coach Tamaalevea brings passion, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that aligns perfectly with what it means to be a Tornado," a Yelm Athletics announcement said. "We're excited for the energy and vision he will bring to our program as we continue to build something special here in Yelm."
Tamaalevea will focus on coaching Yelm exclusively this fall, bringing his championship pedigree to a program hungry for a comeback. For a community that lives and breathes Friday night lights, this hire feels like the start of something big.