Julia Vasconcelos dos Santos Penfield joined the Menlo Taekwondo staff as a Volunteer Assistant Coach in December 2025.
The Oaks' inaugural 2025-26 season saw them earn 17 gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals. Highlights among the eight gold medalists included Kaitlyn Marie Reclusado, Nicholas Carlo, and Kylie Lewis. Reclusado won in poomsae at numerous events including NCTA Collegiate Nationals, the Berkeley Fall Open, Junior Pan American Games, and the FISU World Games. Carlo starred at the NCTA Team Trials and CA State Championship in addition to serving as a qualifier to the World Taekwondo Muju Grand Prix with Lewis who medaled at the Berkeley Fall Open as well as qualifying for the U21 World Taekwondo Championship. That trio would qualify for the U.S. National Team after each secured gold at the U.S. Team Trials.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Julia Vasconcelos dos Santos Penfield teaches from her Olympic-level experience on staff with Menlo College Taekwondo. She began practicing Taekwondo at six years old and, in addition to serving with the Brazilian Army for six years, went on to compete as a member of the Brazilian National Team from 2010 to 2017, where she ranked No. 1 in the -62kg division. Vasconcelos dos Santos Penfield's competitive career includes an 11th place finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, along with podium finishes at the 2015 Pan American Games, 2015 World Military Games, and 2014 Pan American Championships.
In addition to her athletic background, Vasconcelos dos Santos Penfield brings a strong foundation in performance and athlete support, holding certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Sports Mental Coach through Peak Performance Sports.
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