Connor Cabanilla Ventura is shown here after becoming the high-point earner at the state championships. Courtesy photo

Using his own difficult experience to inspire, encourage and help other children, Connor Cabanilla Ventura of the Maui Swim Club is vying to be named Young Athlete of the Year and featured in an advertisement in Sports Illustrated.

Ventura is currently a quarterfinalist in the online voting contest at AthleteOfTheYear.org/2025/connor-86a9. In addition to the possibility of being featured in a 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated, Ventura could take home a $25,000 prize.

Ventura first dove into the water at age 5, thanks to the Maui Swim Club’s Summer Learn to Swim Program. At age 10, he suffered a major injury while riding a bike. The accident cast his competitive swimming into question, but Ventura made a remarkable comeback and returned to the swim club where he remains a member at age 12.

He’s also found a lot of success, winning four state titles and six high-point awards in addition to dominating the North Western Age Group Championship, claiming five medals at Western Zones and breaking local and state records.

But according to those who know him best, the real story extends beyond his medals. After undergoing trials in life and dealing with difficult situations, Ventura has used his experience to fuel his efforts to come back better and stronger as well as inspiring those around him with his urge to give back to other children who are struggling with injury, disease or difficult life situations.

“Believing motivation can fade quickly, but discipline creates consistency, progress and long-term success, this mindset is what helps him push through challenges — and it’s the encouragement he hopes to pass on to others chasing their own goals,” said Juvy Camanilla, Connor’s mother.

Diving into the pool to help other kids to gain confidence in the water, Ventura volunteers at the Maui Swim Club’s Summer Learn to Swim Program every summer as a way to give back to the event that started it all for him.

Connor Cabanilla Ventura volunteers at Maui Swim Club’s Summer Learn to Swim Program. Courtesy photo

Ventura also volunteers and works to raise funding with the proceeds with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as well as the Why Not You Foundation, both of which work to bring hope to people from those undergoing cancer treatment to youth athletes who need support.

According to contest organizers, every vote cast supports the nonprofits’ missions.

While he’s currently advancing to the quarter finals in hopes of earning the Young Athlete of the Year title with the community’s votes, Connor said he hopes to break more records here in Hawaii and one day earn a scholarship as a collegiate swimmer.

“My long term goal is to be able to earn a college scholarship and swim at a college level preferably D1 schools,” Ventura said.