California Collegiate Athletics Association

2004 CCAA Player of the Year Kei Kamara’s story of resilience begins in war-torn Sierra Leone, West Africa. After leaving his home country, Kamara’s life in the United States began as a 16-year-old in Maryland before eventually landing at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale. Scouted only by Cal State Dominguez Hills, Kamara took his passion for the sport of soccer and the opportunities afforded him on the pitch and led the Toros to a pair of CCAA banners and the 2005 NCAA Far West Region Title. 

Along with his conference Player of the Year award, he earned first-team All-CCAA distinction twice (2004, ‘05) and achieved status as a third-team NSCAA All-American in 2005. He closed his career at Cal State Dominguez Hills with a 34-8-5 overall record in two seasons wearing a Toros uniform, compiling 31 goals, 16 assists and 78 points, each mark still ranking in the top 10 of the program record books. 

Kamara was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, the ninth overall pick. That same year, Kamara obtained his U.S. citizenship. He has played with multiple MLS clubs during his career, and is currently competing with the Colorado Rapids. With 126 career goals, Kamara is one of 11 players over the career 100-goal mark, and he ranks fifth needing seven goals to tie Jaime Moreno.

Kamara has been active in service to the global community as well. In 2012, he founded the Heart Shaped Hands Foundation, which provides scholarships to schools and students in Sierra Leone, giving many students and education they otherwise might not have. Named after his signature goal celebration, the Foundation has allowed Kamara to follow his heart and use his hands to give back. In 2015, Kamara was named the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year. The award is voted on by media, players and club representatives and given to a MLS player who exemplifies both skill on the field and service within the community.