PORTLAND, Ore. --- Jake Valentine, who is originally from Vancouver, Wash., has joined the University of Portland baseball staff as assistant coach, announced first-year head coach Geoff Loomis. Valentine spent the past year on the Santa Clara bench as an assistant coach.
 
"Jake's background in the WCC and extensive recruiting network in California, Arizona, and Colorado make him an exciting hire for us," Loomis said. "When you meet Jake you quickly recognize his passion for coaching and knowledge for the game. We're excited he's a Pilot."
 
"I feel extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity from Coach Loomis to join the University of Portland baseball staff," said Valentine. "Growing up right across the river in Vancouver, I have always held the University of Portland in high regard. I look forward to working with an amazing group of players and believe we can create an environment of winning in all aspects of University life. The University of Portland should be commended on the efforts they have made thus far to help grow the culture of athletics. The future of the program is bright and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of it."
 
With the Broncos last season, Valentine was the infield coordinator, first base coach and the assistant hitting coach. He helped develop standout Jose Vizcaino, Jr., who claimed his second straight First Team All-WCC honor. Vizcaino, Jr., was also named the College Sports Madness WCC Field Player of the Year and he was selected in the seventh round of the MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants.
 
Prior to his stint at Santa Clara, Valentine spent two seasons (2012-14) as an assistant coach at UC Riverside. Valentine worked with outfielders and hitters during his first year and hitters during his second year with the Highlanders. He served as the team's first base coach both seasons. In addition to helping eight players get drafted, he helped UCR double its win total in his second season and the Highlanders led the Big West offensively in 2014.
 
Previously, Valentine coached at Stephen F. Austin State for two seasons (2010-12). The Lumberjacks posted a 63-56 overall record (36-30 in conference), won a school record 37 games in 2011 and made it to the Southland Conference Tournament twice. Valentine was the infield coordinator at SFA, the base running coach and the assistant hitting coach, and the team set program records in stolen bases (101, 2011), hits (647, 2011) and fielding percentage (.964, 2012). Bryson Myles set the 'Jacks single-season stolen base record with 53 in 2011, and Valentine helped develop Hunter Dozier, who was selected with the No. 8 overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 2013 MLB Draft.
 
Valentine earned a communications degree from Hawai'i Pacific University after spending two years playing for the Warriors. A team captain, Valentine set single-season marks in runs scored (58, 2008) and walks (52, 2008) and he helped the team claim at least 30 wins both years. Valentine began his college career playing at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Wash. 
 
Valentine attended Skyview High School in Vancouver and he also began his coaching career with the Storm.