Valerie Ornelas joined the ACU Soccer program as Director of Operations in July 2025, bringing a strong background in collegiate athletics and leadership. A former Division I softball student-athlete, Ornelas played her final collegiate season at Abilene Christian in the spring of 2025 after stops at Cal State Fullerton and UT Arlington.

She began her college career at Cal State Fullerton, where she helped lead the Titans to a conference championship and an NCAA Regional appearance at Arizona State during her sophomore year. After transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington, Ornelas completed two more seasons before using her redshirt year to transfer to ACU and finish her career as a Wildcat.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from UT Arlington in December 2024 and is currently pursuing a Master’s certificate in Conflict Management at ACU. 

Ornelas is actively involved in her faith community and attends Shoreline City Church in Dallas.