PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Pilots beach volleyball program has signed two newcomers who will be joining ahead of the spring 2023 season, signing Alina Valenti and Brodie Baker. 

Alina Valenti – 5'10" So., San Jose, Calif.   
 
Transferring from West Valley College in Saratoga, Calif., Valenti looks to translate her strong indoor resume to the beach courts for the Pilots. In one indoor season at West Valley, Valenti led her team to a Coast Conference championship victory and runner-up at the state championships. In her beach volleyball career, Valenti qualified for the state championships as an individual pair and recorded an 18-3 regular season record, including a win over West Coast Conference opponent San Francisco. She was awarded First-team All-Conference for both indoor and beach volleyball, as well as All-Tournament at the San Juaquin Delta Tournament.  

During her time at Leigh High School, Valenti was named team captain in 2019 and the team MVP from 2017-19. Her team qualified for the Central Coast Section Championships in 2018 and 2019. She earned First team All-league in 2018 and 2019 for her accolades.  

 
In her club career, Valenti has competed for two separate clubs, Stingray 16 Black (2017-18), Mountain View Volleyball Club (2018-20), playing with the 17 Red squad from 2018-19 and the 18 Red Squad from 2019-20. During her time with MVVC 18, her team placed first in the Dallas Lone Star National Qualifier USA Division, First in Sierra National Qualifier USA Division and double qualified for Junior National Championships for the USA.  

Brodie Baker – 6'0" Fr., Brisbane, Queensland, Australia  
 
Coming from Australia, Baker brings international experience, strategy and training with her to Portland. As a member of Australian Volleyball Academy, she trained with Olympic development caliber athletes who helped develop her into one of the top players in Queensland. She has competed for Queensland in both beach and indoor volleyball since 2018. She won Gold in the 2018 U17 Division 1 tournament, and the 2019 U19 Division 1 tournament as well as Bronze at the 2022 U23 tournament. She also represented her regional squad, Metropolitan East, from 2017-20. She also competed for Dragons Volleyball Club in the Premier Volleyball League from 2017-20, and the Australian Volleyball Academy in the Capital Volleyball League since 2021.  

Most recently, Baker qualified for multiple events at the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour (2021-22 season) where she finished fifth, twice out of five events. Finally, she has been invited to be a member of the Australian Women's Volleyroos – the indoor national team - where she is currently training in Thailand for international competitions. She has also received a wild-card entry into the qualification tournament of the Beach Volleyball World Pro Tour Future Event, Coolangatta.