Kapa‘a High School got their first Athlete of the Month when swimmer Liana Nakazawa joined Kaua‘i High School’s Keenan Anaya as the King Auto Center’s January Athletes of the Month. Nakazawa, an 11th grader, was praised by her coach Cara
Kapa‘a High School got their first Athlete of the Month when swimmer Liana Nakazawa joined Kaua‘i High School’s Keenan Anaya as the King Auto Center’s January Athletes of the Month.
Nakazawa, an 11th grader, was praised by her coach Cara Panui who said she was a “wonderful person, and one of the best athletes on campus,” Nakazawa also starring in track and cross country.
Anaya, a sophomore, grabbed his share of headlines during the recent KIF season where he broke countless pool records as well as two KIF records enroute to the state competiton where he finished sixth in the Boys 100 Fly, and eighth in the Boys IM.
Melissa Hall, Anaya’s coach, said Keenan is an excellent role model as well as a scholar.
Anaya finished taking top honors in six of his eight individual events during the season, and Hall added, “He is an awesome swimmer to watch.”
Although only a sophomore, Anaya aspires to attend Stanford when he graduates. He admits he was a late starter, even if his dad, Orlando is the coach for Mokihana Aquatics. Anaya started swimming when he was 11, saying some kids start swimming when they’re 8.
Jose Aguayo, general manager for King Auto Center, congratulated both athletes for their accomplishments, noting that this is the first time Kapa‘a High School has entered an athlete for consideration.
He encouraged students and teachers to discuss a nomination with their respective athletic directors for consideration to this monthly award.
All athletes of the month will be considered for an overall Athlete of the Year as the school year winds down.
