DePaul University Athletics
Eli Valentin Named Volleyball Assistant Coach
8/3/2023 3:21:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Valentin joins the Blue Demons ahead of the 2023 season
CHICAGO - DePaul volleyball head coach Marie Zidek announced the hiring of Elias "Eli" Valentin II as an assistant coach, Thursday afternoon.
"I am thrilled to welcome Eli to the Blue Demon family," said Zidek. "During my tenure here, I have been surrounded by amazing staff that have dedicated their time and efforts to developing our student athletes on and off the court using the pursuit of championships with a person-centered approach grounded in our Vincentian mission. Eli follows that model and couldn't be the more perfect fit at the perfect time."
Most recently, Valentin coached at the high school and juniors club level. He served as the Associate Head Coach and Head JV Coach at TL Hanna High School, helping lead the JV team to a regional championship. Throughout his high school coaching career, Valentin has worked with a variety of South Carolina Gatorade Players of the Year including three-straight at Hillcrest High School. Valentin also won three state championships and sent 23 student-athletes to play collegiate volleyball during his time at Hillcrest High School.
"His experience as a high-level player, coaching multiple levels of the game in college and youth, combined with his hardened real-world experience in politics will serve to model for our student athletes what is possible if they challenge themselves in the here and now," said Zidek. "Most importantly, Eli is a proven uniter of people, and he will help us continue to reach for our ultimate team potential with this year's group and many groups beyond."
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy and the leadership team at DePaul University for the incredible opportunity to serve as the Women's Volleyball Assistant Coach," said Valentin. "I want to highlight what an honor it is to work at the University under the leadership of head coach, Marie Zidek. "Her vision for the program couple with the values she and the Department hold on supporting and developing the whole student-athlete resonated with my coaching philosophy. Her approach to the game align with the core of who I am as a person."
Valentin played volleyball at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. where he was a member of the men's team and a four year letterwinner. At one point, Valentin led the NCAA in digs per set. In addition to his variety of volleyball experiences, the Greenville, S.C. native has also worked with various political organizations both nationally and within the state of South Carolina.
"I want to thank Marie and Associate Head Coach Adriano De Souza for welcoming me into the family," said Valentin. "Chicago is a beautiful city and I am ready to get to work continuing the tremendous impact our team has in our community, the excellence we pursue as a team academically, and competing against the best on the volleyball court."Â
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2023 TICKET INFORMATION Â Â
Season ticket packages for the 2023 DePaul Volleyball season are available now. Season ticket packages start at just $39 and for a limited time includes an exclusive DePaul flag. Courtside season ticket options are also available for $79. Single-game tickets and Group Ticket Offers are also available and start at $5. Fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information.
