A couple weeks back, the morning after our heartbreaking loss to Hawaii (a game their legendary manager later called βthe most exciting game heβd ever been a part ofβ), I had the privilege of sitting down with Gerald Oda.
What began as a conversation about youth baseball turned into something deeper when we discovered we shared a common mentor in
@dnaks10, who was my head coach at
@SanJoseStateBSB when I worked as a hitting coach. From there, we spoke about coaching philosophies, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with shaping young athletes.
After watching Hawaii play six times over two tournaments, I left the West Region Tournament in awe of what Coach Oda has built, and more importantly, how he has built it. As a two-time
@littleleague World Series champion (2018 & 2022), he has turned Hawaii into a worldwide powerhouse. But what makes it so special isnβt the trophies - itβs the culture: a program grounded in respect, love, family, and giving kids the confidence to play fearless, knowing they are supported by their coach, their teammates, and their community. That consistency is what sets Hawaii apart, and in many ways, is philosophically aligned with what we strive for at
@SHPAthletics.
Iβve reflected a lot since then on how I can carry that same spirit of Κ»ohana into Gator Nation so that every student who steps foot in the gym, pool, court, or field feels the love and support of something bigger than themselves.
Iβm deeply appreciative of Coach Oda for his time, his wisdom, and for epitomizing what true leadership looks like when the focus is always on the kids.