PC soccer coach signs pro contract to play in Portugal

Porterville College women's soccer assistant coach Valeria Rios has signed a professional contract to play for Sport Futebol Damaiense in Portugal.

Rios, who recently joined the PC women's soccer coaching staff this fall, will be playing her second season professionally after spending last year with Mazatlan F.C. in Mexico.

"We are fortunate to have a professional athlete as part of our coaching staff," said Porterville College Director of Athletics Dr. Joe Cascio. "Val has been a tremendous influence on our team this season. All of us at Porterville College are excited for her to have this opportunity, and wish her the best of luck."

S.F. Damaiense is a women's association soccer club based in Amadora, Portugal. It competes in Liga BPI, the top tier of women's soccer in Portugal.

Rios is a native of Porterville, graduating from Porterville High School in 2017 where she was a four-time All-East Yosemite League honoree. Rios went on to play two seasons at Highline Community College in Washington, spent one year at Cal State Bakersfield, and finished up her collegiate playing career while graduating from Louisianna Tech University.