While most coaches specialize in one sport, former dance teacher, physical education teacher, head girls’ lacrosse coach, head girls’ flag football coach and JV girls’ basketball coach Julie Primero is a jack of all trades, making her a vital part of Portola High’s sports community. 

Since childhood, Primero has enjoyed playing sports, from basketball to volleyball. While her children were in elementary school, she became a part-time physical education instructor at Northwood Elementary, discovering her love for teaching. This season, her primary focus is guiding the girls’ lacrosse teams, a role she pursued after witnessing her daughter’s remarkable growth through lacrosse, according to Primero. 

“It’s kind of funny because [lacrosse] is kind of a mix of flag and basketball,” Primero said. “I’m on the turf but it’s very similar to basketball, and because it’s a new sport, I learn with the girls. It’s fun to jump in, and I’m not great, but it’s fun to play.”

Coaching for multiple sports can present struggles as each individual athlete has different needs. However, over time, Primero has grown more comfortable balancing her workload, especially by looking to other coaches for inspiration. Additionally, Primero, who developed an interest in dance after participating in cultural dances at UCI and watching dance competitions, has been able to explore this interest by teaching Dance 1 last year. 

“It’s just a matter of making time for everything,” Primero said. “The biggest thing is putting one foot forward, so doing one thing at a time and not looking at the big picture helps a lot.”

As a child, Primero’s coaches held high expectations for her, which spurred improvement in her as an athlete. Consequently, Primero’s coaching philosophy emphasizes perseverance, even in times where she gives her players constructive criticism. 

“We’ve been used to having coaches that weren’t as strict as her because we just do stuff differently from our past coaches,” girls’ lacrosse captain and junior Matti Owens said. “She lets us put our own ideas, through her coaching or our practices sometimes and on the games, and she trusts us to do what we think is best.” 

In addition to Primero’s ability to balance discipline and flexibility, she is also great at fostering team spirit. Sophomore Isabelle Borrison had Primero as a dance teacher and coach for flag football and lacrosse, enjoying the experience across all three sports.

“She gives really good pep talks before games when we’re all in a huddle,” Borrison said. “Even on the sideline, she’s really encouraging. She’s cheering you on, and you’ll hear her yelling players’ names and coaching from the sidelines.” 

Ultimately, Primero is a coach who is deeply respected and loved by many players, whether they have experienced her guidance across multiple sports or have been taught by her as a former dance or physical education teacher.

“She understands everyone differently, as a player, as a student or just a person in general,” Owens said. “I can talk to her as a player, but [we also have] that type of relationship that’s different from just being an athlete and a coach.”

This story was originally published on Portola Pilot on March 28, 2024.