At Portola High, many teachers and students spend extra hours outside the classroom offering private lessons and sports coaching to help athletes develop skills, confidence and teamwork.

Business teacher and DECA advisor Robert Stowell serves as a volleyball coach with over 30 years of coaching experience. Stowell played volleyball at BYU under coaches who won national championships and gold medals. Those coaches were part of the USA National Coaching Staff, allowing Stowell to shadow high-level professional coaches. Since graduating, he has worked with athletes ranging from young beginners to college-aged players. 

“I love mentoring and coaching people and kids,” Stowell said. “It’s not just about the sport — it’s about developing personalities and skills that last outside of practice, too.”

Similarly, juniors Yashica Gupta and Gia Phatarphekar teach South Asian dances together. Both began dancing at around five years old and continued training through elementary, middle and high school. Gupta and Phatarpheker coordinate routines and teach dancers in community and cultural programs, with one of their most meaningful experiences being when both they and their students performed at the Great Park Diwali celebration, according to Phatarpheker.

“Dance has given us so much over the years,” Gupta said. “Being able to pass that on and watch others grow through it is what makes teaching [dance] so meaningful.”

Athletics also benefit from educators who combine teaching with coaching, helping students grow both on and off the field.

Assistant girls soccer coach and math teacher Kelli Moline began coaching 15 years ago. Moline played high school and college soccer before eventually coaching at Portola High and for the SoCal Blues Girls Club as a goalkeeper coach. Moline said private lessons allow her to work on the physical and mental sides of the game. She encourages athletes to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses while maintaining discipline and continually working to improve.

“Being able to relate to the athletes and provide constructive feedback [positively] is really important,” Moline said. “It’s about breaking down the different skills they can work on and improve.”

Whether through volleyball, dance, or soccer, Portola High’s teachers and students dedicate time to guiding others, helping them grow and develop through hard work and support.

“You can’t just show up — you have to be willing to put in the work every day, and that’s what really makes the difference,” Moline said. “Seeing a student figure out a skill or gain confidence — that’s why I coach.”