joann

JoAnn Vallese

  • Title
    Associate Director of Academic Services • MSOC, Golf, M/W Rowing
  • Email
    joannvallese@sandiego.edu
  • Phone
    (619) 260-8889
Joann Vallese joined the USD Athletics Department in October of 2021, and serves as the Associate Director of Academic Services.  Her current team assignments are men and women's rowing, men's soccer and men's golf.  In her role, she provides academic and eligibility support, guidance and NCAA certification. She regularly meets with coaches to update them on their respective athletes's academic standing, well-being and support positive team culture. She participates in recruiting meetings and provides guidance to incoming student athletes and their families. 

In addition to the teams she academically oversees, she is available to all of USD's Division 1 teams for academic well-being and stress management support. She also participates on USD's Student Athlete Wellness Team in coordination with the department's Sports Medicine and Mental Health and Wellness teams.  

Prior to coming to USD, she worked at the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, working in Student Support Services. She counseled both general and special education students and their families, worked on multidisciplinary teams, supervised and coordinated support staff, taught social-emotional curriculum and planned school and community events.  

Vallese is no stranger to campus, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Communications at USD. She also earned her Master's of Education in Counseling with emphasis in Leadership. She is a National Board of Certified Counselor and has 25 years of clinical counseling experience. During her time at USD she was on the men's rowing team as a coxswain and continues coordinating, coaching and competing at the master's level with USD Alumni Rowing and the San Diego Rowing Club.  

She founded and is currently the director of the San Diego Rowing Club’s Corporate Team Building and Leadership Developmental Program. 

Vallese is grateful for her husband, four children and the opportunity to return and give back to the USD community.