Bio

With two decades of experience in higher education and 15 years in Division I athletics at the University of San Diego, Valenzuela was a member of senior leadership team and worked to achieve the parallel goals of advancing quality, competitive athletics programs while delivering an outstanding student athlete experience with an equity-minded focus.  During his time as the sport administrator for women’s soccer, men’s soccer, men’s golf, women’s swimming and diving, men’s cross country, women’s cross country/track, Valenzuela partnered with head coaches to lead the creation, execution, and metrics of success, provided oversight of administrative operations, personnel performance, and fostered an environment conducive to academic excellence and competitive success.  In addition, Valenzuela provided leadership, developed, implemented, and evaluated programming specific to the student athlete experience in relation to academic achievement, personal development, career preparation and community service initiatives for USD’s 17 sports and 430 athletes.  Prior to athletics, Valenzuela held roles in career services and student accounts.

“I am both humbled and honored to be named the Athletic Director at Southwestern College and be part of this wonderful community,” said Valenzuela.  “First and foremost, I would like to thank President Sanchez, Isabelle Saber, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Tom Gang, Dean, School of Wellness, Exercise Science and Athletics and the SWCCD, Governing Board for entrusting me to lead this athletic department that means so much to so many people and to this great institution of higher education.  I am eager and ready to help achieve the expectations, goals, and aspirations we have for Jaguar Athletics.  I have been a resident and community member of San Diego for nearly 30 years and Southwestern College is a special place.  From afar, I have admired how Southwestern College embodies the spirit of South San Diego: diversity, opportunity, and community.  I look forward to serving our students and student-athletes alike” 

Valenzuela, born in Philadelphia, spent his early years in Carpinteria, California and grew up in El Centro, located in the Imperial Valley, the east anchor of the Southern California Border Region.  He played college football at Chadron State College, Nebraska and subsequently transferred to San Diego Mesa College earning an associate degree in business administration.  He graduated with distinction from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in public administration and possesses a master’s degree in counseling from the University of San Diego.  In 2020, Valenzuela was elected to the Imperial Valley Football Coaches Hall of Fame.