Valparaiso University head women’s soccer coach John Marovich has announced the hiring of Vanessa Vella as the program’s new assistant coach.

“I am so honored and thrilled to accept the assistant coaching position for the women's soccer team at Valparaiso Unversity,” Vella said.  “I believe the school is rich with academic and athletic tradition and I am so happy to be a part of the Valpo family.  I hope to make a positive impact on the program and help to continue and grow upon the success the team has had under Coach Marovich.”

Vella arrives at Valpo from the University of San Diego where she spent the last two seasons in the same position.  The Toreros went 23-15-4 and were nationally-ranked both seasons while she was on staff and earned a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. 

“Vanessa is an excellent soccer coach who stood out in the process not just by her outstanding experiences but her professional and enthusiastic personality,” Marovich said.  “She has learned from some of the best coaches in the country both as a player and as a coach which will be a tremendous addition to our program.  I am excited to be working with her and welcome her to our Valpo Soccer family.”

She has also gained coaching experience serving as the girls U15 and U18 premier coach for the San Diego Surf Soccer Club since 2007, and prior to that spent 2005-2007 as a varsity assistant coach for La costa Canyon High School, helping lead the school to the CIF Division I semifinals twice.

Vella was a four-year letterwinner at the University of San Diego, earning All-West Coast Conference accolades as a senior.  A member of the WCC All-Freshman Team in 2004, Vella and the Toreros earned a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, and were ranked as high as #9 nationally during her senior season.  A standout defender for San Diego, she finished her career with 15 assists.

Vella also was a member of the San Diego Surf Soccer Club from 1998-2004, winning a national championship in 2003.