Coach Avery is from the Bay Area where she swam competitively from ages 6 to 18. She joined water polo (on accident - thought it was a swim clinic) her freshman year and instantly fell in love with the sport. She played all 4 years at Acalanes High School in Lafayette and committed to Chapman University to study education and play water polo. 

While at Chapman, Coach Avery was a 4-year starter for the Panthers. Senior year she was team captain, set two school records in career assists and steals, and earned second-team All-SCIAC for her defense. 

When she graduated from Chapman, she stayed another year to earn a masters degree and complete her teaching credential. She was hired at Portola right after graduating in 2017, the second year that Portola had been open. She has loved working at Portola and being a part of growing the school! 

She’s been the Head Coach for the boys team since her hiring year. In 2022, she was named Orange County Register’s Boys Water Polo Coach of the Year and has led the team to history-making CIF & PCL finishes, particularly in the last three years. 

Coach Avery has a Bachelors degree in Education and a Masters in Teaching. She works at Portola High School as the Head Coach for the Boys Water Polo team, an English teacher, and the ASB Director. She's not only passionate about coaching and teaching, but she's also passionate about PORTOLA!

Go Bulldogs!

Coach Mark is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He swam competitively for most of his life and started playing water polo in 7th grade. Coach Mark continued to swim and play water polo into high school (St. Ignatius College Prep) where his passion for water polo grew tremendously. He was named Illinois State Player of the Year in 2011 and helped win his team two state trophies: 3rd place in 2010 and 2nd place 2011. In January 2024, Coach Mark was inducted into St. Ignatius College Prep’s Hall of Fame for his outstanding water polo achievements. 

After high school, Coach Mark attended Chapman University to play water polo and study mathematics. While at Chapman, he earned water polo All-American honors for his last three seasons, second-team All-SCIAC honors his junior year, and first team All-SCIAC his senior year. On top of that, Cpach Mark broke several school records at Chapman (he still leads in most career assists nearly 10 years after graduating). 

In 2019, Coach Mark joined the Portola High School coaching staff, assisting the varsity team with his now-wife Coach Avery. The duo have led the team to history-making finishes in CIF and PCL. Additionally, working with Portola established his passion for coaching. 

Mark has a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and works in Public Finance. 

Go Bulldogs!

Go Bulldogs! 

Go Bulldogs! 

High school introduced Coach Phipps to water polo, igniting a passion for teamwork and excitement. As he made the transition from player to coach, his commitment to the game only grew stronger. Alongside coaching a high school team, he dedicates his personal time to coaching through the Swim Nation Aquatics Program, under the guidance of Steve Riches, the coach of Portola High School's swim team. His coaching journey reflects his aspiration to teach not only the technical aspects of the sport but also to instill the values of community building and the art of creating space for growth. 

Beyond the pool, nature brings solace. He is a dog lover, adoring Nalu and Oside. 

Go Bulldogs! 

Go Bulldogs!