NEOMI BEACH / CONTRIBUTOR

Over the course of a decade, JoAnn Vallese has built a career defined by resilience, leadership and commitment to student development. As the Associate Director of Academic Services at the University of San Diego, formally the Assistant Director of Academics and Scholar Athlete Development, Vallese has combined her diverse experiences in counseling, consulting and sports leadership  into  a role that supports student-athletes. With a Master’s in Education  in counseling (M.Ed), focusing  on leadership and diversity  studies, Vallese’s journey from  clinical counseling  to  corporate  consulting to  academia  tells a  story  of dedication  to  both personal growth and the betterment of others.

One of the most formative moments in Vallese’s  early life came when she switched from her local Catholic school to The Baldwin School, a private all-girls school outside of Philadelphia, in the eighth grade. Feeling disconnected from everything she knew, she had a pivotal conversation with Baldwin’s headmistress,  which  convinced her to give the school one more chance.

This  decision  would change the trajectory  of  her high school years. It was during this time that Vallese discovered the sport that would go on to define much of her identity — rowing. By her junior year, Vallese had become a coxswain, a role that allowed her to take the helm of a men’s varsity crew team. 

“Rowing became a guiding force in my life,” Vallese said. “I have no idea who I would be if I had switched out [of Baldwin] and never found rowing.” 

Baldwin, with its challenges and opportunities, helped Vallese unlock a key component of her future career: leadership through connection.

In addition to the pressures of attending a prestigious private school, Vallese’s childhood was also defined by a unique set of social dynamics. Growing up in Philadelphia, Vallese’s family owned two homes — one in the city and another in the beach town of Ocean City, New Jersey, where they spent their summers. The duality of these worlds introduced Vallese to different communities and social circles, but also left her feeling as though she never quite fit in.

Her  years  of shifting between two different social groups also gave her a deep appreciation for the individuality of human experiences — an understanding that would prove invaluable in  her counseling work. 

“You learn to value what each person brings to the table,” Vallese said. 

These insights would shape her approach as a counselor and later as a leader at USD. Vallese graduated from the University of San Diego with  a  degree in English   Literature   and  a  minor in Communication  Studies. Vallese then went on to earn her M.Ed in Counseling  from  the  University of  San Diego. Her early  career took her into private practice, partial hospitals and nonprofits, where she specialized in working with children. 

“I can relate to most people because of how I can emphasize and connect with people at an emotional level,” Vallese said.  

While Vallese enjoyed the counseling work, she missed being part of a team.  Rowing  taught her the importance of teamwork and  shared  goals,  an element that was  missing   from  the  isolated nature of individual counseling. This realization ultimately  led  her  back  to  her  alma mater, where she now works with student-athletes, helping them balance their academic, athletic and personal commitments.

“My goal is to help my students be the best versions of themselves,” Vallese said. 

She focuses on providing accountability, support and encouragement for students who are often overwhelmed by the pressures of balancing sports and studies. Vallese speaks highly about the many thank-you notes she’s received over the years from students she’s helped guide through difficult times. 

“Seeing the growth and successes of my students is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Vallese said. 

Vallese is also a mother to  four children — Alyssa, Ethan, Jadon and Talia — and spoke of how her role as a parent has always taken precedence. And she would make the same decision again, knowing that family comes first.

JoAnn Vallese works with student-athletes at USD. Photo courtesy of JoAnn Vallese

Vallese’s husband, George Vallese, has been a constant source of support throughout her journey. The two were   married  in 1997 and have built  a  strong    partnership  centered around faith, family and trust. 

At the heart of Vallese’s personal philosophy is the belief that life is a constant work in progress. But through it all, she relies on her strong Christian faith to guide her. 

“Standing on biblical truths and principles helps me get through setbacks,” Vallese said. 

She also emphasizes the importance of leaning on trusted friends,  many  of  whom  have  been in  her  life   for   decades.  Vallese not only   reflected on her professional     accomplishments, but also on the relationships she has built. 

For her,  it’s the  connections  she  has  forged  with  family,  friends and  students  that matter most. Vallese describes  her  values  as  rooted in authenticity  and integrity, principles that have guided both her  personal  and professional life.

“It’s about the relationships that came, not the accolades…accolades stack up, but that feeling doesn’t last long” Vallese said. “I want people to know I try my best to embody my faith and give to people.” 

One of Vallese’s guiding principles is Micah 6:8.

“To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with God,” Vallese stated.

Vallese’s legacy is not  defined by her titles or achievements,   but   by   the countless lives she has touched along  the  way.  Her    commitment  to  love,  growth   and   service  has  left  a  mark  on   the people around  her — a testament to a life lived with purpose and empathy.

JoAnn Vallese during her time as a coxswain with USD rowing. Photo courtesy of JoAnn Vallese