Fangside Chats: Getting to Know Valerie Huizar

During the summer, St. Mary's athletics will be bringing you "Fangside Chats: Getting to Know" profiles of our head coaches to shine a light on who they are outside of their sport.
 
First up, we sat down with Women's Basketball Head Coach Valerie Huizar. Huizar will begin her fourth season as head coach in 2025-26. The Rattlers are coming off a 14-14 season and return all five starters from that campaign.
 
Q: What is your favorite place you've ever traveled?
A: We took an international tour to Cuba when I coached at the University of Louisiana. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 
Q: What do you enjoy doing most when you're not coaching or recruiting?
A: Spending time with my family, specifically chasing my 6-month-old around as he rolls everywhere!
 
Q: What is your favorite quote and why does it resonate with you?
A: Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It always gives me an extra boost of energy or confidence when I need it.
 
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect magnets from different places we've visited.
 
Q: If your pets could speak English, what do you think they'd say about you?
A: Bruno and Abby probably think "She watches way too much basketball on TV."
 
Q: What is your favorite sport to play, other than the one you coach?
A: Softball in my younger days, but pickleball has been a blast now that I'm old.
 
Q: What movie will you always watch on tv, no matter how many times you've seen it?
A: There are several genres that I love. I love Anchorman for comedy and 300 for action.
 
Q: What is your useless talent?
A: I like to think I'm pretty good at using chopsticks!
 
Q: If you could relive one moment from your life, which one would you choose?
A: The two times in college when we clinched automatic bids to the National Tournament.
 
Q: What was your first job, and how old were you?
A: When I turned 16, I started working at Whataburger.
 
Q: In 100 years, how do you think coaching will have changed?
A: Hopefully, AI doesn't replace us coaches. Jokes aside, I think there will be more versatility among players, allowing for more conceptual styles of play.
 
Q: Is there a skill you've always wanted to learn?
A: To play the guitar.
 
Q: What is the weirdest food or food combination you love?
A: I love pickle-flavored sunflower seeds.
 
Q: What is your favorite snack to eat on bus trips with your team?
A: Rice Krispies Treats.
 
Q: How old were you when you knew coaching was the profession for you?
A: In high school. I hurt my ankle and had the opportunity to coach our team in fall league.
 
Q: Who do you feel are the top five athletes of all time in the sport you coach (regardless of gender)?
A: Cheryl Miller, Maya Moore, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Diana Taurasi