While some have had the pleasure of getting to know Crestview's new Head Sports Coach, JuLian Blake, during this fall's remarkable flag football season, we wanted to introduce Coach JuLian to our whole community.
We had the opportunity to learn more about his vision for our sports program, his journey as a coach, and the values that guide his approach to mentoring young athletes. Here’s what he had to share about his experiences, goals, and the exciting plans he has for Crestview’s students and families.
Can you share a bit about your professional and coaching journey before joining Crestview, and how those experiences have prepared you for this role?
“My professional and coaching journey has been deeply rooted in both my academic background and lifelong passion for athletics. I graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in civil engineering and have always been an avid athlete. My coaching career began in 2022 when I volunteered to coach my son’s soccer team in the Villa Parke Soccer League in Pasadena. That experience was incredibly rewarding and felt like a natural progression for me, as a father of six, to merge my love for spending time with children and my passion for sports.
Since then, I’ve coached five seasons in the Bluechip NFL Flag Football League, working with a new group of young men each year in a highly competitive environment. I continue to coach soccer and flag football, and through my nonprofit organization, Young Brother Big City, I’ve been able to expand my impact by coaching basketball and offering agility and speed training for young athletes.
Most recently, I’ve begun offering personal training for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which has been an especially rewarding and humbling experience. My journey has provided me with the ability to connect with individuals on multiple levels, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people. These experiences have shaped my approach to coaching, emphasizing patience, adaptability, and the importance of fostering both personal and athletic growth. I feel truly blessed to use my skills and passions to give back to my community and impact the youth at Crestview.”
What core principles or values define your coaching philosophy, and how do you bring them to life on and off the field?
My coaching philosophy mirrors my parenting philosophy, rooted in core values such as accountability, discipline, faith, confidence, determination, education, and leadership. I believe that the foundation of any successful athlete—and person—starts with these principles. My objective with every athlete is to serve as a positive role model, someone who genuinely believes in their abilities and their potential to excel in whatever they dedicate themselves to mastering.
On the field, I bring this philosophy to life by fostering an environment where athletes feel supported yet challenged. I focus on building individuals of strong character, knowing that a great team naturally forms when each person is confident, disciplined, and invested in their role. I encourage accountability by giving athletes responsibilities and trusting them to rise to the occasion, which not only builds their confidence but also teaches them the value of hard work and reliability.
Off the field, I make it a point to connect with my athletes as individuals, guiding them in areas that extend beyond sports—whether it’s academics, leadership, or their personal goals. By aligning my coaching with these core values, I aim to not only develop skilled athletes but also future leaders who carry these lessons into all areas of their lives.
What are your goals for the sports program at Crestview?
My goals for the sports program at Crestview are centered around growth, innovation, and creating impactful opportunities for our students. I aim to expand our athletic offerings to include 7v7 football, futsal, baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, cross country, and track. By diversifying our programs, we can engage more students, foster school spirit, and provide a broader array of athletic experiences.
I also envision producing tournaments and leagues that will elevate Crestview’s reputation and attract sponsorships to fuel the program’s growth. Leveraging existing technologies, I plan to incorporate live streaming of games, as well as student-led broadcasting, photography, and videography. These initiatives not only enhance the visibility of our athletic events but also provide students with valuable real-world skills and experiences.
Additionally, I want to create opportunities for our athletes to compete beyond the traditional school environment through travel teams in sports like football, basketball, and futsal during the school year. This will give students the chance to develop their skills in a competitive setting, build camaraderie, and represent Crestview on a larger stage.
I’m excited about the potential for our athletics program to contribute to Crestview’s growth and prosperity while fostering a sense of pride and excellence within our student body and community.
You founded the non-profit organization, Young Brother Big City a few years ago. What is the mission of the organization and what inspired you to start it?
I founded Young Brother Big City with the mission of providing youth in my community with opportunities to develop both their character and athletic skills. The organization is rooted in the belief that sports can be a powerful tool for building confidence, discipline, and teamwork—values that extend far beyond the playing field.
The inspiration to start the organization came during the pandemic, a time when my wife and I spent countless hours outdoors with our kids at local parks. Whether it was baseball, skateboarding, or simply playing outside, I realized how much I enjoyed training my kids. More importantly, I saw an opportunity to not only bond with my own children but also to create a space where other kids in the community could grow, thrive, and find positive outlets to improve their athletic skills & character.
My own experiences as a youth at the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in the 1990s helped shape the person I am today. Those formative years taught me the importance of mentorship, community, and opportunities to succeed. With Young Brother Big City, I hope to pay that forward, providing a similar environment that nurtures athletic excellence and personal growth for the next generation.
Looking ahead, I have ambitious goals for the organization and feel incredibly blessed to have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. I’m excited about the future of Young Brother Big City and the opportunities it will create for youth in our community.
What do you hope students and parents will take away from your leadership and vision for Crestview sports?
My hope is that both students and parents see me as a valuable asset to Crestview, someone who is dedicated to not only the growth of the athletics program but also the personal growth of every student I work with. I want students to see me as a mentor they can trust—someone who genuinely believes in their potential and is committed to helping them achieve their goals, both on and off the field.
By introducing new opportunities and fostering a culture of excellence, my vision is to take Crestview Athletics to the next level. Ultimately, I want parents and students to feel proud of the program, confident in its direction, and excited about the opportunities it provides for personal development, teamwork, and success.