Ben Ohai has become a familiar name to soccer fans, mainly because he is the father of Kealia Ohai Watt, a professional player in the National Women’s Soccer League. While Kealia has built her own career on the pitch, Ben’s quiet dedication behind the scenes has played a huge role in shaping her path. His story combines Hawaiian heritage, a strong athletic background and decades of steady family support, all of which offer a fuller picture of the man behind one of America’s best-known soccer stars.
Ben Ohai Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Ohai |
| Known For | Father of soccer player Kealia Ohai Watt |
| Birthplace | Kauai, Hawaii, United States |
| Raised In | California (from around age 10) |
| Education | Cerritos College, Brigham Young University, University of Utah |
| Sporting Background | Collegiate wrestler at BYU (116-8 record, WAC champion) |
| Spouse | Cindy Ohai |
| Children | Kealia, Megan, Cambria and Aubrey Ohai |
| Son-in-Law | J.J. Watt (NFL player, married Kealia in 2020) |
| Public Profile | Largely private; limited social media presence |
Early Life and Hawaiian Roots
Ben Ohai was born in Hawaii, a place whose culture and traditions left a lasting mark on him. Kealia Beach in Kauai, where he spent his early years, later inspired the unusual first name he gave his eldest daughter, a small but meaningful nod to his island upbringing. Growing up surrounded by close-knit community values, he learned early lessons in respect, resilience and family loyalty that would later guide his own parenting style.
When Ben was around ten years old, his family relocated from Hawaii to California, a move that opened new opportunities while he still held onto his island heritage. He carried these values with him into adulthood, eventually passing them down to his own children through everyday choices rather than grand statements.
Education and Wrestling Career
Ben attended Cerritos College before continuing his studies at Brigham Young University and later the University of Utah. It was at BYU that he built his reputation as a serious competitor on the wrestling mat, finishing his collegiate career with an impressive record of 116 wins against just 8 losses. He also claimed a WAC championship title and went undefeated during the 1974 season, a standout achievement for any collegiate athlete.
Though Ben never took his wrestling career to the professional stage, the discipline and mental toughness he developed on the mat stayed with him for life. Those same qualities, focus, patience and the willingness to keep working through setbacks, later became central to how he supported his daughters through their own sporting pursuits.
Marriage to Cindy Ohai
Ben met his wife, Cindy, while they were both students at Brigham Young University. Their shared values and mutual respect formed the basis of a partnership that has lasted for decades. Together, they built a home where honesty, effort and kindness were treated as everyday expectations rather than occasional lessons.
The couple went on to raise four daughters: Kealia, Megan, Cambria and Aubrey. Cindy managed much of the day-to-day running of the household, while Ben made a point of showing up at practices, matches and school events whenever he could. This kind of consistent presence, rather than public praise, has defined his approach to fatherhood.
Ben Ohai and Kealia’s Soccer Journey
Kealia Ohai Watt, born on 31 January 1992 in Draper, Utah, grew into one of the standout forwards in the National Women’s Soccer League, playing for clubs including the Chicago Red Stars and Houston Dash. Ben was a constant presence throughout her rise, attending matches and offering encouragement during both her successes and her setbacks, including recovery from a serious ACL injury early in her professional career.
Kealia has spoken openly about how much her father’s belief in her meant during difficult periods. On Father’s Day in 2018, she shared a photograph of the pair on Instagram with a caption thanking him for always believing in her, a small but public glimpse into a relationship built on trust rather than pressure. That same steady encouragement extended to her marriage to NFL star J.J. Watt in 2020, with Ben reportedly maintaining a warm relationship with his son-in-law.
Ben Ohai’s Other Daughters
Kealia is the most publicly recognised of Ben’s four daughters, but each sister has followed her own path. Megan, the eldest, played soccer at the University of Southern California before building a career as a fitness blogger, later marrying former NFL linebacker Brian Cushing.
Cambria studied marketing and has pursued a career in business while keeping a relatively private profile. Aubrey, the youngest, graduated from New York University and is currently building her own professional career, occasionally sharing family moments on social media alongside her sisters.
Personal Life and Privacy
Despite his daughter’s fame, Ben Ohai has largely avoided the public eye. He maintains a private Instagram account and keeps most personal details, including his exact date of birth and net worth, out of public records. This preference for privacy appears deliberate, allowing his daughters’ achievements to take centre stage rather than his own.
What is known paints a picture of a man defined by consistency rather than headlines: a supportive husband, an attentive father and a former athlete who quietly passed on the values that shaped his own upbringing.
Conclusion
Ben Ohai’s story is less about public recognition and more about steady, quiet influence. From his Hawaiian roots to his wrestling achievements at BYU, and finally to his role as a devoted father of four, his life reflects the kind of consistent support that helped shape Kealia Ohai Watt’s soccer career and continues to guide his entire family today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ben Ohai?
Ben Ohai is best known as the father of American soccer player Kealia Ohai Watt, though he also built his own athletic reputation as a collegiate wrestler at BYU.
Where was Ben Ohai born?
He was born in Kauai, Hawaii, and moved to California with his family at around ten years of age.
Why is Kealia Ohai’s name connected to Hawaii?
Kealia was named after Kealia Beach in Kauai, the place where her father Ben was born, reflecting the family’s Hawaiian heritage.
Did Ben Ohai have a sports career of his own?
Yes, he wrestled at Brigham Young University, finishing with a 116-8 record and an undefeated WAC championship season in 1974.
How many children does Ben Ohai have?
Ben and his wife Cindy have four daughters: Kealia, Megan, Cambria and Aubrey Ohai.
