Mililani’s Dillon Gabriel gifts alma mater new Nike uniforms

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Former Mililani standout and current college football star Dillon Gabriel gifted his alma mater new football uniforms as part of his “I’m Inspired” event held on the Mililani High School campus on Friday.

“I love Milani. It’s the community that I was born and raised in,” he said. “I’ve spent all my 18 years at Mililani here in Hawaii and I’m just very grateful to pay it forward and try to make something that I can continue to pass on into the future to inspire others.”

Gabriel remains the state’s high school all-time passing yardage leader from his time at Mililani.

Hundreds came out to enjoy the evening and see Gabriel. There were field games, a photo booth, ono food and live entertainment.

“We’re so thankful for Dylan to bless us with this. The kid was raised right,” said Mililani Football Assistant Coach Silila Malepeai.

The highlight of the evening, the reveal of new Nike uniforms Gabriel presented to the Mililani Trojans football team.

“We’ve been rocking the same brand and to come out with a new Nike Jersey.It’s a cool and exciting feeling,” Mililani football player Lehiwa Kahana-Travis said.

“They’re stepping onto the field fresh,” Malepeai said. “Basically the kids are loving it. Their swag game is up 100%.”

After graduating high school early, he enrolled at the University of Central Florida in the spring of 2019, following in the footsteps of Mililani great McKenzie Milton.

It’s not the first time he’s given back. Gabriel has been donating uniforms and equipment to his alma mater the past four years.

“We made it a point to get both sides and try and make it a very even playing field for everyone,” Gabriel explained. “So we were able to get the girl’s softball, soccer as well as girls volleyball. It just was a lot of fun doing that, and I’m making sure everyone in the school feels fit in their great Nike stuff.”

While the new gear is something the athletes are grateful for, what Gabriel is doing, and the way he is doing it, is much more impactful.

“It means the world to us,” Malepeai said. “In giving back he’s showing these kids where we can go and where you can get to if they work. the work he is doing is very. Very influential to these kids.”

“Do guys hope to kind of follow in those footsteps?” KHON asked Lehiwa Kahana-Travis.

“Yes,” he responded. “Personally I do. That’s my dream. To be in the position he is in.”

“It’s always a reminder that I represent more than just myself and my family and you know the University of Oregon,” Gabriel said. “It’s also Hawaii. So I don’t ever take that lightly, and I want to do it the right way.”

Gabriel transferred to the University of Oklahoma for the 2022 and 2023 seasons and was a two-year starter.

With an extra COVID year of eligibility at his disposal, Gabriel chose to spend his final year of college ball at the University of Oregon, where he is considered one of the Heisman favorites in 2024.

The Ducks open their 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Idaho.