joann

JoAnn Vallese

  • Title
    Associate Director of Scholar-Athlete Development • MSOC, Golf, M/W Rowing
  • Email
    joannvallese@sandiego.edu
  • Phone
    (619) 260-8889
JoAnn Vallese joined the USD Athletic Department in October of 2021, serving as the Associate Director of Scholar-Athlete Development. She covers men’s and women’s rowing, men’s soccer and men’s golf. In her role, she provides academic and eligibility support, guidance and NCAA certification. 

In addition to the four teams she oversees, she also is a liaison to the DLDRC, Counseling/Wellness Center and Center for Student Success where she encourages and supports student athletes from a holistic and developmental perspective. Vallese also coordinates and facilitates academic screening for all incoming student athletes, while meeting with coaches regularly to update them on their respective athletes’ academic standing and support positive team culture. 

Prior to coming to USD, she worked at the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, working in Student Support Services. She worked with both general and special education students, where she provided administrative support, counseled students and parents through a variety of challenges, while planning and facilitating community events. 

However, Vallese is no stranger to campus, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Communications at USD. She also earned her Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Leadership. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor. During her time at USD, Vallese competed on the rowing team, primarily as a coxswain, which led to competing on the San Diego Rowing Club Team. 

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 and her four children.