Cole Nakamura, Founder
Cole, a Class of 2029 student-athlete, is a competitive swimmer training under Coach Sam Harquail. For him, swimming has always been a cornerstone of discipline, teamwork, and identity.
As his competitive path led him to modern facilities on the mainland, Cole noticed a sobering trend. He realized that many of the talented peers he had grown up with in Hawaiʻi were beginning to disappear from the heat sheets. These athletes weren't being out-performed; they were being sidelined by the logistical hurdles and geographic isolation that come with living in the islands. Without championship-caliber infrastructure at home, the path to the next level often requires a level of travel and resources that creates an uneven playing field.
The vision for the VMAC Renewal Foundation originated with Cole as a direct response to these barriers. After recognizing the need for a local pathway to excellence, he established the foundation’s mission and later partnered with co-founder Kacey to bring this vision to life. Cole envisions a revitalized VMAC as a world-class stage where Hawaiʻi’s athletes can prove their talent and reach their full potential right here at home.
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.