Kainalu Pitzel is in his sixth year with the men's and women's cross country programs at Chaminade University. This is his second stint as assistant coach after serving as the Silverswords' head coach from 2011-13. His first go-around as an assistant was under former head coach, Masako Sagawa, before succeeding her in 2011.

Pitzel began his coaching career at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu in 2010 and a year later, found a new coaching home at Chaminade as an assistant for Sagawa.

Pitzel has competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawai'i, and the Boston Marathon. His bests include finishing second overall in the PF Changs 30k and third overall in the Hilo Half Marathon.

He is blessed to be married to the former Cristina Johnson. They enjoy their new hobby of polo in Waimanalo in between surf sessions.