April 5, 2011
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
Nakanishi was the head coach for the Warriors for the past eight years and has been with the KS-Kapālama program for 12 years. He was recently named the Hawai'i state coach of the year for the 2011 season, his second such award in the past three years.
"I couldn't have asked for a better high school coaching position in the nation as I've gotten to work with high-achieving young Hawaiians at Kamehameha Schools, my alma mater, which I have and always will have tremendous pride in," Nakanishi said. "The supportive administrative leaders, top-notch and loyal coaching staff, outstanding parents, and, of course, special players, year in and year out, have provided me memories I'll never forget. I will forever be appreciative of this wonder 12-year journey. I am just now moving on to the next chapter in my life coaching basketball at the collegiate level."
The 1995 graduate of KS-Kapālama led the Warriors to two state championships in the past three years (2009 and 2011), advancing to the state championship game in each of the past three seasons. The Warriors' title in 2009 was the first for the program since 1992. He also led the Warriors to an Interscholastic League of Honolulu title in 2009, guiding KS-Kapālama to state tournament berths in seven of his eight seasons.
"We're extremely happy and excited for Jesse," added Blane Gaison, KS-Kapālama Associate Athletic Director. "This is a tremendous opportunity for him to pursue a coaching job at the higher level."
A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
