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Princeton University Athletics
Valerio '11 Named Head Women's Soccer Coach at Canada's St. Thomas U.
July 01, 2014 | Women's Soccer
Princeton soccer alumna Alexandra Valerio '11 has been named the head women's soccer coach at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada, the university announced June 26.
Valerio played in 56 games with 20 starts in her career at Princeton, which included helping the team to the 2008 Ivy League title. Valerio served as a team captain in 2010 while also earning the team's Kathy Kobler Garrett '91 Award, which is presented annually in Garrett's memory to the member of the team whose generosity, positive attitude, genuine consideration for others, and quiet energy makes her essential to the success of the team.
"I had a tremendous experience playing at Princeton for four seasons," Valerio said. "(Coach) Julie Shackford was one of the major drivers behind my choosing to pursue a career in coaching and she has been a continual source of support and inspiration. I am honored to take over the head coach role at St. Thomas University, and I hope that I can have the same impact on my players as Julie has had on me."
Since graduation, the Ottawa, Ontario native has been gaining coaching experience, recently with local organizations in New Brunswick. She served as an assistant coach at the University of New Brunswick in 2012.
St. Thomas University is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick and plays in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association. Last season, Valerio's new team posted a record of 7-3-2.