Meet Crystal Victorino, the athletics assistant at the University Interscholastic League (UIL).  She came to Austin by way of Hawaii, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2013. After college she started her career in education at College Tutors, where she helped high school students prepare for college.

Now she is excited about her new career, where she gets to be fully immersed in the fast-pace world of athletic events and competitions.

“I’m looking forward to getting to be a part of the team and transitioning in,” says Victorino, who joined UIL in 2017. “I’m excited to learn everything and go to all the events so I know what is happening, just being a part of all of it.”

Growing up, Victorino played soccer and softball in junior high, but her love of sports really took off when she discovered her talents in dirt-biking.

“In high school I stopped [playing soccer and softball] and started dirt-bike riding competitively,” says Victorino, who attended Kauai High School. “My brother was riding and I wanted to be a part of it. I was jealous.

Looking back at the coaches and teachers who taught her life-long lessons, she will never forget the wisdom her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Nagano, instilled in her at the age of six.

“She would say, ‘Don’t ever change for anyone else. Always be yourself,’” Victorino says. “That has helped shape me into the person I am today. It was great advice.”