Cole Nakamura, Founder
Cole is a Class of 2029 student-athlete who excels in math, plays viola in his school’s symphony orchestra, and enjoys anime, travel, skiing, and snowboarding. He has also competed in tennis, though swimming has always been his first love. His favorite city is Seoul.
An only child, Cole shares his home with two Maltipoos, Juneau and Sitka. They were gifts from his grandfather and are named after cities in Southeast Alaska, where the two spent time fishing together.
Cole has trained and competed at VMAC since he was five years old. A butterfly specialist, he has multiple sectionals qualifying times and is working toward Futures cuts. More than a decade in the sport has taught him discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of a strong aquatics community.
It has also shown him how costly high-level competition can be for Hawaiʻi families. Airfare, hotels, transportation, and meet fees can place important opportunities out of reach—not because young athletes lack talent or determination, but because traveling to compete is simply too expensive.
Cole created the VMAC Renewal Foundation with his friend and co-founder, Kacey, to help bring those opportunities home. He envisions VMAC as a world-class venue capable of attracting major competitions to Hawaiʻi, opening doors for local athletes and strengthening the aquatics community for generations to come.
Kacey Jo, Co-Founder
Kacey, a student athlete from the Class of ‘30, has had a passion for swimming for as long as she can remember. With mentorship from her coach, Nohea Lileikes, she has learned to be resilient, disciplined, and how to push through challenges. From waking up early for practice, to staying focused during challenging swim sets, and competing under pressure; swimming has taught her that through endurance and perseverance, success can be achieved. Swimming has laid a solid foundation for her into who she is and will be, not only as a swimmer but as a person.
Kacey has always been driven to learn and grow in all aspects of her life. She approaches life’s challenges with the same rigor and discipline as she does in swimming. Swimming has given her far more than what she expected. It has shaped her character, strengthened her resilience, and offered lifelong lessons. Now, she hopes others will have the same opportunity to grow, thrive and discover their own potential. That is why she is so excited to be part of the renewed VMAC project. She wants to give it back to the community in helping to create a space where swimmers feel supported, inspired and empowered to reach new heights.
Through this project, Kacey hopes to contribute her energy, experience, and ideas to a cause that matters. Along the process, she looks forward to growing as a person, connecting with others, and continuing to learn how small actions can lead to meaningful change.