From a young age, watching her older brothers play soccer was one of the first times where junior Julia Pino thought to herself, “I can do that too.” Although soccer has been a competitive area for the Pino family, the sport has also become a bonding experience that has extended beyond her immediate family.
Throughout the Lady Dragon Soccer program, having a teammate chosen as a “little sister” has been a tradition for more than 15 years. Whether the girls are going on outings, making signs for senior night, or getting each other game day gifts, these chosen sisters truly define that soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a family.
Class of 2025 center back Pino is playing her first season of Lady Dragon varsity soccer this year.
“I started playing soccer when I was three years old,” Pino said. “I mainly started because both my brothers were playing soccer.”
Although soccer hasn’t always been easy for Pino, leaning on her teammates and watching her brothers play has pushed her to be the athlete that she is today.
“Watching Robbie [Pino] play soccer throughout the years has really motivated me to be the best player I can be,” Pino said. “It pushes me to want to be as successful as he has been in soccer.”
Pino’s older brother played on Southlake’s varsity boys soccer team for four years from 2016-2020 and is currently playing at the University of Chicago where he has earned accolades such as the 2022 Offensive Most Outstanding Player and NCAA All-Tournament Team.
Besides being inspired by her siblings, Pino has found a family within the Lady Dragon soccer program with senior Olivia Hobson as her soccer big sister.
“Julia is a very skilled player and she always has a positive attitude,” Hobson said. “I picked Julia as my little because we have been close since my sophomore year. I love every moment we spend together.”
Close friend and fellow teammate of Pino’s, junior Parker Wilkerson, said that although she has yet to play with Pino due to a hip injury, she is excited to eventually play together.
“I look forward to the day when I can join her on the field and play soccer with such an amazing person,” Wilkerson said. “Julia is a fantastic person, athlete and friend. On and off the field, her positive and friendly demeanor lights up the whole team. She’s not only skilled in soccer but also embodies the spirit of the soccer program.”
