At Hart High School, the swim team is diving into a new season with fresh leadership and a renewed sense of energy.
That energy comes from a new head coach, Sean Kakumu, who brings over a decade of collegiate experience.
Before arriving at Hart, Kakumu spent 12 seasons coaching at the College of the Canyons, where his program saw major success, setting dozens of school records and producing conference champions and state-level athletes.
Now, he’s bringing that same level of experience and intensity to a younger group of swimmers.
“We’ve had a few coaches over the years, and they’ve all been great, but Sean’s really gotten to know us in a very quick amount of time, and I think a lot of us have grown a liking to him,” said Ryder Boyd, Hart swim athlete.
“He’s nice, he has a fun personality, he gets humor, and I think that’s important with kids.”
But beyond wins and records, Kakumu says his focus is on building something bigger than just fast times.
“Educate, teach… Every day, going with the idea of trying to make the whole team better through community, through sportsmanship, through having the same goal of unifying everyone to work together,” said Sean Kakumu, head Hart swim coach.
That emphasis on connection and teamwork is already making a difference as swimmers adjust to a more focused and supportive environment.
With a balance of experience, energy, and strong team culture, Hart’s swim program is looking ahead to a season full of growth and high expectations.