Bio

Valerie Calderon
Athletic Trainer
Office: Sports Medicine Building

View Ms. Calderon's exclusive interview HERE

Valerie Calderon joined College of the Desert as a full-time Athletic Trainer after three years of dedicated service as an On-Call Athletic Trainer. She has been part of the COD family since 2014, when she began as an Adjunct Kinesiology Instructor, teaching a variety of courses within the department and sharing her passion for health, wellness, and athletic performance.

For the past five years, Valerie served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Desert Hot Springs High School, where she played a key role in the health and safety of student-athletes, developing a reputation for her expertise, professionalism, and student-first approach.

Valerie’s connection to community college athletics is deeply personal. She began her academic and athletic journey at Pasadena City College, where she competed in Intercollegiate Softball for two years. She then transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science and concluding her collegiate softball career. Building on her foundation in athletics, Valerie pursued advanced training at California Baptist University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Athletic Training.

Today, Valerie is proud to bring her knowledge and passion back to the Roadrunner community. She is committed not only to keeping athletes healthy and game-ready, but also to helping them grow as individuals both on and off the field.

Valerie often shares this guiding philosophy with her students and athletes:

“We learn by experience, both good and bad. I challenge my students and student-athletes to learn something new every day, as it will only prepare them for the future.”

~ Bio current as of August 2025