Naming Francis Parker School’s inaugural Aquatics Director marked the initiation of the final phase of our two-decade-long vision for Linda Vista Campus improvements which included the Douglas Aquatic Center, Silberman Student Life Center, and Vassiliadis Athletic Center. Parker is thrilled to announce Eric Nagoshi as the recipient of this role after a nationwide search full of top-quality candidates.
Eric understands the ins and outs of a successful aquatics program. This expertise was honed through years of dedicated attention in different aquatic roles. During his 16-year tenure at the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, he has held many positions that kept him near pools beginning with Lifeguard, Assistant Swim Coach, and Facilities Assistant and leading to Associate Aquatics Director. Parker is excited about Eric’s proven ability to develop all aspects of safe, quality, and equitable education-based aquatics programming.
As Eric settles into life at Parker this fall, he is focused on supporting and expanding the current water polo programs, equipping them with the necessary resources and opportunities for continued success. Next, he aims to broaden the aquatic offerings for Middle School physical education classes. In addition, he will explore avenues through which our aquatic programs can actively contribute to the community.
“What excites me most about this new role is the chance to collaborate with school leadership and the athletic department in creating and developing an aquatics department and program from scratch, based on the School’s mission and vision, aiming to deliver an exceptional experience for both the Parker student body and the wider community,” Eric said.
Eric’s top priority beyond program development is to ensure student support and safety at the Douglas Aquatics Center. “Every student utilizing the new facility deserves not only a safe environment for learning and personal growth but also an exceptional experience that encourages their success in achieving their goals,” Eric said.
Outside of work, Eric is an active volunteer consultant with USA Swimming and is highly involved with all the local club teams in Honolulu for both swimming and water polo on the island. When he is not spending time around the pool, Eric enjoys hitting the golf course to “lose a few balls and hit a few trees.”
The Douglas Aquatic Center will enhance the physical education and athletic programs to strengthen student interest in aquatic competitions and provide on-campus space for water activities. We intend to deepen summer program offerings, implement cross-training for athletics teams, open new interdisciplinary programming opportunities, and expand Parker’s public-purpose initiatives by promoting water safety classes and master swim programs for the community. While initial programs focus on academic and athletic programming for the existing Parker community, the School will share long-term programming initiatives to serve our Linda Vista and San Diego communities in the future.
Eric arrives on campus in July 2024, and we cannot wait to welcome him to the Lancer family! In the meantime, Athletics Administrators and Eric are working to select appropriate staffing for the program.
