CAMROSE, AB. — The University of Alberta Augustana is proud to usher in a new era for Vikings Women’s Soccer with the appointment of Pablo Valenzuela as Head Coach for the upcoming 2026–27 Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) season.
Bringing more than two decades of coaching experience and a passion for player development, Valenzuela joins the Vikings program with a vision focused on building a strong culture, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a sustainable pathway for student-athlete success both on and off the field.
Valenzuela’s coaching journey began at the grassroots level as a volunteer coach for his daughter’s soccer team. What started as a way to support youth sport quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to coaching, learning, and mentorship.
“Over the years, the journey has been filled with incredible moments as well as challenging ones, and I believe both are equally important,” said Valenzuela. “Every experience — whether successful or difficult — becomes part of the learning process and helps shape your perspective and approach.”
Throughout the past 20 years, Valenzuela has worked in environments ranging from grassroots soccer to high-performance programs, learning from respected mentors and collaborating with players, coaches, and staff at every level. He views coaching as a continuous learning process centered on relationship-building and collective growth.
As he enters collegiate athletics for the first time, Valenzuela is eager to continue developing alongside his players and colleagues while helping establish a successful and sustainable future for Vikings Women’s Soccer.
For Valenzuela, the appeal of the Vikings program extends far beyond the soccer field.
“What attracted me most to the Vikings program was the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community that values both athletic and academic excellence,” he said. “There is something special about a smaller campus environment where meaningful relationships can be built between student-athletes, coaches, faculty and the broader community.”
He also sees significant potential within the women’s soccer program and is excited to contribute to Augustana’s longstanding reputation for excellence in academics and athletics.
The passion for sport within Camrose and the surrounding soccer community further reinforced his decision.
“I look forward to growing the game locally, strengthening relationships with clubs across Alberta, and helping create a program that players are proud to represent,” Valenzuela added.
As preparations begin for the 2026–27 season, Valenzuela is focused on establishing the foundations for long-term success.
His immediate priorities include working closely with returning student-athletes, recruiting talented players from across Alberta, and creating a competitive environment with a clear identity and culture.
“There is a great opportunity to establish a strong culture, competitive environment, and clear identity for the program moving forward,” he said. “Most importantly, I’m excited to help create an environment where players can develop, compete, and enjoy their experience as student-athletes while representing Augustana with pride.”
Looking ahead, Valenzuela’s goals center on recruitment, player development, and strengthening connections throughout Alberta’s soccer landscape.
“My goal this upcoming season is to actively recruit players and strengthen relationships and development pathways with clubs across Alberta while bringing greater exposure to the Vikings women’s soccer program,” he said.
He plans to work closely with returning players and incoming recruits to rebuild and strengthen the program’s identity while implementing a modern, exciting style of play and raising standards across all areas of the student-athlete experience.
“We have a talented group of players and some exciting recruits joining the program this season,” said Valenzuela. “Above all, my focus is on helping develop young student-athletes and contributing to their success academically, athletically, and personally.”
With a clear vision for growth and development, Valenzuela’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Vikings Women’s Soccer as the program looks to build a strong foundation for future success.
For additional information, contact:
David Ritz, University of Alberta-Augustana
Officer of Vikings Athletics
dritz@ualberta.ca
Emily Peterson, University of Alberta-Augustana
Athletics Coordinator
pe1@ualberta.ca
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