June 8, 2012

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The University of San Diego athletic department has announced new official titles for three current athletics staff members and one new hire for the department.

Erin Adkins has been promoted to Assistant AD for Compliance. Her responsibilities will include all compliance functions, rules education and interpretation, initial and continuing eligibility, and the liaison role with admissions, registrar, and the deans' offices. Adkins will be the academic counselor to the women's rowing, men's rowing, softball, and golf teams.

Ron Valenzuela has been promoted to Assistant AD for Student Athlete Services. Valenzuela will develop and implement student athlete programming in personal and career development, community service, and academic skills. He will oversee community relations programs, including expanding our reach into the community. Valenzuela will be the academic counselor to the football, baseball, women's tennis, women's soccer, and men's soccer teams.

Whitney Strain will move from the Facilities and Operations area to become our new Assistant Director for Compliance and Student Services. Strain's responsibilities will include implementing compliance and personal development programs. She will be the academic counselor to the swimming, cross country/track, and men's tennis teams.

Patrick Murray has been hired as our new Manager of Athletic Equipment Services. Previously, Murray worked at San Diego State University, where he managed the equipment operations of 17 sports, purchased apparel and equipment, managed inventory control and laundry service, and fit and maintained equipment. He has also worked with the San Francisco 49ers, Michigan State Football, and the Lansing Lugnuts. Murray is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Murray's first day at USD will be Monday, June 18th. Adkins, Valenzuela and Strain's new roles become official on Monday, July 2nd.