Alisha Valavanis Last College: Chico State (2000, MS 2004) Position: Associate Head Coach Experience: Fourth Year

Alisha Valavanis enters her fourth season of work at Pacific and second as the Tigers' Associate Head Coach. Named to her new position on September 19 of last season, Valavanis begins her eighth year alongside of Head Coach Lynne Roberts.

Valavanis works with all parts of the Pacific program, including designing and implementing the Tigers' defense both in practice and during games. On top of her defensive responsibilities, Valavanis helps to coach the Tigers' wings on the practice floor. Additionally, Alisha remains involved in the Tigers' recruiting and scouting of future Pacific stars. Off the court, she has taken responsibility of the Tigers' Fastbreak Booster club as well as Pacific's community outreach programs. At the computer, Alisha has masterminded the creation of the Tigers' Chalktalk newsletter that is sent out to all followers of the Pacific basketball program.

Before Pacific, Valavanis spent 10 seasons at Chico State as both a player and a coach. For four seasons, as the top assistant coach, the Wildcats enjoyed unprecedented national success at the Division II level. As an assistant, Valavanis trained and coached the Wildcats' defense. In addition to her defensive coaching, Alisha directed the Wildcats' recruiting efforts, finding All-American and all-conference talents for Chico State. Away from the court, Valavanis headed the creation and development of the Wildcats' booster club and community outreach programs.

As a player, Valavanis was one of the Wildcats' most prolific outside shooters. Though her mark has since been surpassed, she poured in a career 139 three-pointers in four seasons, setting a program record. During her playing days, Alisha ran the Wildcats' backcourt with her identical twin sister, Alexa, who played the point for Chico State. Alexa still lives in Chico, where she is the Executive Director of a local non-profit organization. In addition to Alexa, Alisha has four other siblings including another set of identical twin sisters.

In 2004, Valavanis earned her master's degree in physical education from Chico State. Previously, she received her bachelor's degree in communication in 2000.