Founded 2018 · Tulsa, Oklahoma

Our Story

Club IMUA was built on a simple belief: every young athlete deserves world-class coaching, a supportive community, and the chance to move forward — on the court and in life.

Club IMUA Volleyball coaching staff working with youth players on the court
80+
Active Players

How It All Started

Born from a Love of the Game

In 2018, Coach Leilani Kahale moved from Hawaii to Tulsa and noticed something missing — a volleyball program that combined elite training with the warmth and community spirit she grew up with. So she built one.

Starting with a single 12U team and a borrowed gym, Club IMUA quickly became something bigger than volleyball. Parents showed up not just to cheer, but to help. Players stayed not just to compete, but to belong.

Today, IMUA fields four competitive teams across four age groups, trains out of our own facility, and has sent athletes to colleges across the country. But the mission has never changed: move forward, together.

"IMUA means move forward in Hawaiian. That's not just our name — it's our promise to every athlete who walks through our doors."

— Coach Leilani Kahale, Founder

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Aloha Spirit

We lead with love, respect, and generosity — on the court and off. Every player, parent, and coach is part of our ohana.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest standard — not just in wins and losses, but in effort, attitude, and growth every single day.

Community

Volleyball is better together. We build lasting friendships, support local families, and invest in Tulsa's youth sports culture.

Grit

IMUA means "move forward" in Hawaiian. We teach our athletes to push through adversity, embrace challenges, and never quit.

The People Behind the Program

Meet Our Coaches

LK

Leilani Kahale

Head Coach — 10U Fire

A former collegiate setter from the University of Hawaii, Leilani brings 12 years of coaching experience and an infectious passion for developing young athletes. She founded Club IMUA in 2018 with a vision to bring the aloha spirit to Tulsa volleyball.

B.S. Kinesiology, UH Manoa
USAV CAP Level II Certified
12 Years Coaching Experience
KA

Keoni Akana

Head Coach — 12U Wave

Keoni played professionally in the NORCECA circuit before transitioning to coaching. His technical expertise in serve-receive systems and offensive schemes has transformed IMUA Wave into one of the region's most competitive 12U programs.

Former NORCECA Pro Player
USAV CAP Level III Certified
8 Years Coaching Experience
AF

Alana Ferreira

Head Coach — 14U Tide

Alana is a two-time All-American from Oklahoma State who has coached at the club level for a decade. Her player-first philosophy and deep knowledge of the recruiting process have helped dozens of IMUA athletes earn college scholarships.

2x All-American, Oklahoma State
USAV CAP Level III Certified
10 Years Coaching Experience
NK

Nalu Kahananui

Head Coach — 16U Surge

Nalu is the most decorated coach in the IMUA program. A former Division I head coach, he brings elite-level training methodology and an unmatched ability to prepare athletes for the next level. Under his leadership, IMUA Surge has produced 14 college-bound players.

Former D1 Head Coach
USAV CAP Level IV Certified
15 Years Coaching Experience

Seven Years Strong

Our Journey

2018
Club IMUA founded by Coach Leilani Kahale with one team and 12 players.
2019
Expanded to three age groups. First regional tournament appearance.
2020
Navigated the pandemic with virtual training and outdoor sessions. Zero players lost.
2021
Opened the IMUA Training Center — our permanent home in Tulsa.
2022
First state championship appearance. 16U Surge finishes runner-up.
2023
Launched scholarship fund. First three IMUA athletes commit to Division I programs.
2024
16U Surge wins the Spring Classic. Program reaches 80+ active players.
2025
Expanded to four full teams. Seven college commitments in a single season.

By the Numbers

The IMUA Impact

80+
Active Players
4
Competitive Teams
14
College Commitments
7
Years of Excellence
Club IMUA Volleyball families and community members cheering at a game

Become Part of the IMUA Family

Registration is open for all age groups. Join a program that will challenge, support, and inspire your athlete.