NAME: Angel Vallier
SPORT: Cross Country / Track & Field
ACHIEVEMENTS: All-Conference in cross country for two seasons, 15th in the state as a sophomore; runner-up in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 2016 as a freshman, fourth in Southern California, ninth at the state meet. Starting her sophomore season in track and field.
Who got you into track and when did you start running?
It was my freshman year of high school and my dad got me started. My sister (Marta Vallier) ran track and dad wanted me to run track rather than go into cheerleading.
If you weren't running track, what other sport would you want to play at the college level?
I would probably think about soccer or volleyball. I played AYSO soccer while I was growing
up but volleyball looks cool. I think I would be pretty good at it.
What makes Coach Matt Sherman the type of coach you love to run for?
He motivates us and pushes us. He doesn’t let us settle. He also has an open-door policy in his office so he’s not just a coach. I can come in and talk to him about anything. He’s just a good guy.
What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
My major is child development. But my favorite class is Political Science with Christina
Hinkle. She makes the class really fun.
What is your perfect pre-race meal?
The morning of a race I will always have toast topped with peanut butter and bananas.
Walk us through your pre-race warm up.
We’ll always run for 20 minutes before a race, then we do drills and strides.
What are the first 3 songs on your music playlist?
Right before the race we don’t run with earbuds. But before we start warming up I’ll listen to Lose Yourself (Eminem), Remember The Name (Fort Minor), and Hall of Fame (The Script).
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
I really enjoy just sleeping in, then maybe going to do things with my friends like going to the beach or going out to dinner or doing something fun.
Who on the team are you closest with?
I hang out with all of my teammates. We’ve stuck it out in cross country and track for two years so we’re always together. Plus, I’ll still hang out with my friends from high school.
What is your leadership style?
I’m pretty motivating. I can help to push the other girls on the team. I like pep talks before races. But, if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing, I’ll also put you in your place.
Once you're done at Saddleback, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as someone who brought something different to the team that coaches hadn’t seen before. Someone who worked hard and was a good student. Saddleback has certainly changed me; I didn’t have the grades in high school that I have now.
What is the plan once you graduate?
I’m talking to several schools now and I want to continue running at the four-year level. When I’m done with college I want to be a teacher, either a pre-school teacher or an elementary school teacher. And I want to keep on running, doing triathlons and marathons. My sister does it and I want to be like her.
What do you want to say to students considering Saddleback (or the CCCAA)?
I think Saddleback is a great choice coming out of high school, especially if you’re not getting a lot of offers from four-year colleges. Coach (Matt) Sherman and (Mark) Blethen really push you to get you out of your comfort zone. You will grow not only as an athlete but as a student, as well. I think it’s great to have this as an option. I really enjoyed my community college experience and I wouldn’t change it.
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