BIOGRAPHYMy name is Bartholomew Valerio.

I was born and raised in Wyoming, a place where opportunities for

soccer were limited, and the inclement weather did not favor the game. The beginning of my soccer journey began
when I was four years old. My dad and I played with a sponge soccer ball every night before going to bed. Over
the next several years, I continued to play recreational soccer, and before I knew it, I was ten years old playing
club soccer. I was very determined to excel in the game. My parents were very supportive and always traveled,
rain or shine to allow me to pursue my goals of being the best soccer athlete I could be. As my soccer skills
advanced over time, I was able to make the Wyoming Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region IV Team.
As a result of being in ODP, I was selected to play for an All-Star Team from Washington State, where I was the
only player recommended by the Wyoming Olympic Development Program to play in the Norway and Dana Cup.

Concurrently, I played soccer for Kelly Walsh High School in Wyoming and was a team captain and
winner of back to back state championships. A turning moment at this time in my life at the age of 16, my mother
died from rare cancer. My grief allowed me to use soccer as a positive outlet. As a coach, my pain has given me
purpose and meaning to help others and become a part of something bigger than myself. Coaching is a channel to
guide someone's life, and it goes beyond what happens on the field. As a coach, I encourage, motivate, and
challenge my players to step outside their comfort zone academically, athletically, and personally. This approach
allows my players to be lifelong learners that will grow and develop on their journey. My focus is empowering
athletes to succeed in the next chapter of their life.

Gratefully, my parents supported my academic and athletic aspirations, and because of that, college
became a reality that eventually led me to receive both an academic and athletic scholarship. I played for Western
Nebraska Community College and finished at Midland Lutheran College, where I received my Bachelor of Arts
in Education, 2008. Midland challenged me to a new level of play leading to a couple of Regional qualifying
rounds presenting me to the game even more. During my senior year, I had a unique opportunity to try out for the
U-23 Colorado Rapids. Over the summer, I had an enjoyable trial experience with their U-23 squad. Soon after, I
moved to San Antonio, Texas, to continue playing in the Premier Arena Soccer Indoor League. At this time, I also
started a teaching career in the San Antonio community. Professionally speaking, as an educator and coach for the
past ten years, I have had the opportunity to teach health and physical education from elementary to high school
level students

Overall, my philosophy is that I believe teaching and coaching go beyond the classroom and field. I want
to encourage, motivate, and challenge student-athletes to step outside their comfort zone academically, athletically,
and personally. Team sports develop a person's character, integrity, work ethic, discipline, and passion. Providing
every opportunity to make a difference on and off the field for my athletes is an honor!