Second-year Jaguars coach James Kainoa faced the same challenge that many coaches hired during the pandemic did–including Cabrillo football coach Shane Gonzales. How to buil da program when school wasn’t in session, and when no games could be scheduled.
“Dealing with COVID in my first two years here at Cabrillo has been challenging to say the least, for our athletes and the school as a whole,” said Kainoa. “We are just excited to step foot on a real volleyball court and have the opportunity to compete in a tough league against some of the best players and coaches out there.”
The Jaguars will be led by setter/outside hitter Kailani Kainoa and setter/DS Hadassah Miranda, the team’s co-captains. Senior Kylah Sagale is back as a senior libero, and the team will feature a strong set of newcomers with junior outside hitter Evelyn Mejia and Naty Guzman, as well as sophomores Monze Guzman and back row contributor America Martinez.
“We understand where we stand in the hierarchy of girls’ volleyball in the Moore League,” said Kainoa. “We haven’t yet earned the right to compete at that higher level–but we accept and meet that challenge every day.”
Kainoa is buoyed by a coaching staff that includes his father, James Kainoa Sr., as well as Keoni Kekauoha, the father of former Wilson star Harlee Kekauoha.
