Learning Through Play and Purpose
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A lifelong learner and athlete, Phil Kimi ’97 has found a unique way to connect his love of math, sports and community. After graduating from Punahou, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with a minor in Accounting from UCLA, followed by a master’s in Education from Chaminade University and a master’s in Sports Psychology from California Southern University. Today, Kimi teaches seventh-grade math and serves as a basketball and cross-country coach, as well as Math Club advisor. Whether in the classroom or on the court, he focuses on helping students grow through creative problem solving, connection and play. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters and playing basketball whenever he can.
What drew you back to Punahou and to teaching middle-school math?
Coming back to Punahou felt like coming home. My experiences here had such a positive impact, especially the teachers and coaches who made learning fun, and I wanted to create that for students today. My interest in teaching middle school math actually began in eighth grade, when I really gravitated toward algebra. A big part of that was my teacher, who inspired me and brought out the best in me. A year later, with the guidance and support of another inspiring math teacher, I started tutoring pre-algebra. It was my first job, and I loved it. Middle school is a time of discovery, when students are figuring out who they are and how they approach challenges. Teaching pre-algebra lets me help them see how math connects to their lives and how problem-solving can be deeply rewarding.
How do your roles as teacher, coach and club advisor connect?
All of my roles connect through one goal – helping students enjoy the process of learning. I use a games-based approach in all of my roles to keep students engaged, where the focus is on having fun, experimenting and taking risks – and in the process, learning naturally happens. Both pre-algebra and basketball are complex, but using games or mini-challenges to focus on specific skills makes it easier to break things down and keep challenges manageable. In the classroom and on the basketball court, games build essential skills while also encouraging students to think critically, collaborate, communicate and grow more resilient.
What do you enjoy most about working with seventh graders?
Seventh graders are at such a fun age. They’re curious and playful, but they’re also starting to think more deeply and figure out who they are. They’re honest, sometimes hilariously so, and they care more than they let on. Every day with them is different, and that keeps things exciting. What I enjoy most is that, even with everything going on in their lives, they still take joy in the little things. I love supporting them both in and out of the classroom and helping them appreciate those small but meaningful moments.
How has coaching shaped the way you teach and motivate students?
I started coaching basketball right after college, so I was a coach before I was a classroom teacher – though I’ve always viewed coaching as a form of teaching. Coaching has taught me that mindset and attitude are just as important as skill or talent. Growth comes from effort, persistence and believing you can improve. Coaching has also taught me the importance of connection. Seeing students support each other, take on challenges and celebrate their progress is what motivates them, and me. A games-based approach helps build that connection, but it’s the teamwork, communication and shared experience that make lessons meaningful and lasting.
Can you share a moment that reminds you why you love what you do?
The last day of school, or the final day of a basketball season, is always bittersweet. It’s hard to say goodbye. But I also love those final days because you can see how much growth has occurred, how many strong relationships were formed and how much has been accomplished. What I really value is the reflection on the journey – all the challenges students overcame, the confidence they gained and the joy that came with it.
