HONOLULU – Chaminade University men's basketball coach
Eric Bovaird announced Monday the hiring of Kaipo Villeza as an assistant coach.
The native of Whittier, California, Villeza spent the past two seasons as an assistant men's coach at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California, where he began his collegiate playing career. During his coaching tenure at the two-year institution, he was the team's video coordinator, did player development and was the Hornets' life coach.
After wrapping up his two-year career at Fullerton, Villeza played the 2018-19 season at the University of Saint Katherine in San Marcos, California. While playing with the Firebirds, he developed a passion for player development and helped in developing basketball players ranging from middle schools to the professional level.
Villeza returned to Fullerton in 2021, helping them to an astounding 57-5 mark during his assistant coaching tenure including a 32-1 season in 2022-23 where the Hornets captured the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship. He also has strong ties to O'ahu as his father, Richard, is originally from Ewa Beach.
"We are really excited to have Kaipo join our staff," Bovaird said. "He brings valuable West Coast recruiting connections along with quality experience developing players. He comes from a great program in Fullerton where they've experienced much success over the past several years."
"I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to get to a place where I am deeply rooted and represent a great school and basketball program," Villeza said. "I'm also excited to get out in the community and connect with youth basketball and be in a place that means a lot to my family!
"I'm thankful for the support of my mom, dad and sister, along with my extended family on the island."
