UH Softball Mourns the Passing of Longtime Coach John Nakamura - University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics (2024)

HONOLULU--A fixture around Hawai'i's ballfieldsfor decades, John Nakamura will be remembered for the profound presence he crafted in the state's softball and baseball communities through his signature understated coaching style.

A longtime member of the University of Hawai'i softball coaching staff, Nakamura passed away on March 12 at age 89, having devoted decades passing along his knowledge of the game.

Part of the UH baseball team as a pitcher/outfielder in the 1950s, Nakamura had already established a respected place in local coaching when he joined the Rainbow Wahine softball staff as a volunteer coach in 1987. He stayed on for a total of 24 seasons, a constant through the program's growth from its fledgling stages to national prominence while assisting all three UH head coaches and impacting the lives of the players coming through Mānoa.

He was first hired by Alika Thompson, the UH program's inaugural head coach, and stayed on through Rayla Allison's two seasons. He was again retained when Bob Coolen took over the program prior to the 1992 season and served in an official capacity — whether as an assistant or volunteer coach — through 2009. A man of few words, "Coach Naks" always guided players with his words of wisdom and passion for both the game of softball and in life.

A teacher in the Department of Education system for 28 years, Nakamura focused on tutoring the UH outfielders and hitters throughout his tenure with the Rainbow Wahine and helped develop 18 all-conference performers. During his time in the UH dugout, the 'Bows made nine NCAA postseason appearances and won three conference championships.

Nakamura and his wife, Grace, were avid UH athletics' fans. They were mainstays in the stands at UH softball games, routinely taking their customary seats in the top row next to the press box at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium for home games and followed the team on the road, including to the 2010 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. The Nakamura's were season ticket holders for men's and women's volleyball, football, men's basketball and they caught as many baseball and water polo games when they could.

The youngest of 10 siblings growing up in the McGerrow Camp of the Hawai'i Commercial Sugar Company plantation in Pu'unēnē, Maui, Nakamura learned softball on the plantation and went on to compete in football and track at Baldwin High School. Playing for the Mō'ili'ili AJA team, he was recruited by then-coach Thomas Ige to join the UH team with the offer of tuition and books and played in the Hawai'i Baseball League.

He graduated from UH in 1958 and earned his teaching certificate with an emphasis in social studies. His high school teaching and coaching stops included McKinley, Kahuku, Castle, Kalani and Punahou and he led Kailua to the 1969 high school baseball state championship. He also earned accolades in the classroom, earning a Fulbright Scholarship while teaching Asian History at Kalani.

Along with coaching, he remained active playing slow pitch softball until the pandemic shutdown in 2020.

He is survived by his wife Grace; three children Jan (Saito), Dean and Lynn (McNamara); and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held June 30 at Hosoi Mortuary. Visitation starts at 1 p.m. with the service to start at 2 p.m.

John Nakamura, aka "Naks", was an icon in the University of Hawai'i Softball program beginning at the inception of the program in 1985 as a coach and mentor. He took me aside when I first came to the Islands in 1990 and advised me as to the unique "culture" that existed in Hawai'i and how to be successful if I wanted to remain as the Head Coach when I got the job in 1991. His insights were invaluable! He was the "Yoda" of softball at UH. His passion for UH Athletics was insatiable. The players all loved his wisdom and few words to get his point across. He will be missed tremendously!"

John Nakamura was a generous, and caring person, who gave from his heart to the softball athletes at the university and the community. He was an excellent coach for whom I treasured as a friend, mentor, and colleague. I feel fortunate that I shared space and time with John.

Coach John and Grace (Nakamura) were always there for the players. He was the calming force on the coaching staff and a reassuring presence for the Rainbow Wahine team. I will always appreciate the time and wisdom he dedicated to our softball program. I knew he would always be there when we needed him.

My favorite line from Naks…"If it rains, open your umbrella" which was a metaphor for why get mad…persevere through the tough times!!!

Naks was the teacher, grandfather, the calm in the storm…. the knowledge and wisdom he had was beyond compare…not just in softball, but in LIFE! He was always teaching me in ways that made it easier to understand and put into practice. He was our "Mr. Miyagi" (from the Karate Kid)--that was Coach Naks. Calm, cool and collected, but still was strict and disciplined. I'm going to miss seeing him at our softball games, but also running into him at volleyball games and talking forever! Next thingknow, the game's over. He's soooo going to be missed."

Coach Naks was our Mr. Miyagi. He was instrumental in building the UH softball program through various avenues, but even more instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals in life especially in becoming a collegiate softball coach

There are no words to express the sadness I feel losing a very special man. "Naks", as we called him on the field, was a man of wisdom, tough love, yet so loving and caring. I will miss seeing him at the softball field.
–To the family, thank you for sharing your father and to Mrs. Nakamura—thank you for sharing your husband with us. His philosophy and life lessons are part of me always. Mahalo nui from the bottom of my heart.

Coach Naks—Your words and mentoring have remained with me over the years! Sometimes it was just a look or one word that would ground me. You always found a way to get the best out of us as individuals and as a Team! I'm grateful for all the memories and you will live on in my heart and those of so many others. Thank you for dedicating your life to UH and your 'ohana."
God Bless and Love You!

Sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Nakamura. He will be missed. My memories of him go way back! May God bless all of you at this time. He will be missed by all. Thank you all for allowing him to be a part of our lives."
Love you all!

#HawaiiSB