David Akao was named Interim Head Athletic Performance Coach in August of 2025.
Akao first joined the Jets in 2019-2020 as an athletic performance intern. He then rejoined the staff last season as an assistant athletic performance coach. In addition to his role at Newman, Akao is the owner of NPWR Training, a sports performance business where he trains with athletes of all ages to help them develop strength, speed, and confidence.
Akao began his collegiate career at Coffeyville Community College, where he played football and earned his associates degree in health and physical education/fitness. After Coffeyville, Akao played football at Friends where he was a two time All-Conference linebacker. Akao earned his Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Friends University, graduating in 2020. After graduation, Akao played two seasons with the Wichita Force arena football team (2021-2022).
Akao resides in Wichita, Kansas. His brother, Damien Akao, was a member of the 2016-2018 Newman Men's Basketball team.
