Named one of Florida’s Top 7 Tennis Communities by the Private Community Registry, Orchid Island’s racquet program is consistently recognized for its scenic beauty and welcoming culture. Behind it all, the Club’s new Director of Racquet Sports coordinates and oversees every aspect of the eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Kainoa is no stranger to either sport, bringing over 20 years of racquet experience to Orchid Island. Here’s your chance to meet Kainoa, or Kai for short, and learn more about how he plans enhance the racquet program at Orchid Island.
Turning His Passion into a Full-Time Profession
Since he was a child, Kainoa Rosa has always had a passion for racquet sports. Originally from the scenic islands of Hawaii, Kai started playing tennis when he was only five years old. After moving to Seattle when he was seven, he started playing more often, coached by his mother and uncle, who were both well-known tennis players in the state. Kai went on to play collegiately with a full tennis scholarship at the NCAA D2 University of Hawaii. He was ranked as high as 10th in singles and 8th in doubles in the nation’s most competitive D2 conference. Leading up to his graduation, he decided that he wanted to continue to follow his passion.
“I was deciding what I wanted to do, and at the end of the day, I decided I wasn’t quite done with tennis,” Kainoa says. “I decided I wanted to make tennis my career pathway, and the coaching adventure started from there.”
After graduating, Kai moved back to Seattle and coached at numerous high-performance tennis programs throughout the Pacific Northwest region, including the Highline College Women’s tennis team. He then relocated to Tampa, where he spent six years working his way up in management as a Head Professional and eventual Director of Tennis & Operations at Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club. Desiring to live closer to the beach and having heard about Orchid Island’s glowing reputation, Kai and his family made the move to Vero Beach.
A New Generation of Racquet Sports
Excited to bring his expertise to Orchid Island, Kainoa plans to bring the Club’s programming at the eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two pickleball courts to an even higher level. Members can look forward to an expansion of the pickleball program for players of all ages and experience levels, with plans to introduce exhibitions, social tournaments, mixers, and more. He plans to elevate the tennis program as well, incorporating innovative events for Members. Kainoa emphasizes the importance of not only racquet sports but maintaining a fun and social environment for all.
“I can’t give away all my secrets yet, but there will be some fun and exciting events that are coming up,” Rosa says, leaving Members anticipatedly waiting. “It will definitely be a balance of both competition and social, and certainly some programming the membership hasn’t seen before!”
A Cherished Community of Active, Engaged Members
From supportive staff to a large Member involvement, Kainoa knows that what makes Orchid Island truly unique are the Members who call this community home. Kai is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team and is optimistic about the future of the racquet sport facilities.
“I had known that the previous director was here for 25 years, and any time you have an employee that’s somewhere for that long, especially in the hospitality industry, you know it’s a special place,” Kainoa says.
Kainoa Rosa expresses how thankful he and his family are for the people of Orchid Island. “Everything I’ve experienced so far with the membership and committees at Orchid Island is excellent. The community has made it very easy to transition for my family and I. We’re very appreciative of the staff and the membership here and helping us move our lives. We’re very excited to get started!”
Amenities Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is highly sought-after for its laidback waterfront lifestyle. The Beach Club serves as the heart of the community, with a resort-style pool, world-class fitness center, salon and spa, and multiple dining venues – all overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean waters. Residents also enjoy nearly a mile of a secluded beach and an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course.
Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier riverfront and oceanfront estates, courtyard homes, cottages, and mid-rise condominiums. For those interested in learning more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine. If you’re in the area, schedule a visit to the Orchid Island Realty office for a community club tour. Visit OrchidIslandFL.com or call 772.388.3888 for more information.
