Valentina

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Valentina loves the feeling of freedom and adrenaline she gets on her bike. Downhill constantly challenges her to be braver, faster and stronger. She loves pushing past her fears, learning from every run and seeing hard work turn into progress. But what she loves most is the community—the friendships, coaches and riders who have become like family while she chases bigger and bigger dreams.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Valentina is inspired by the women competing at the highest level of downhill. Seeing them race World Cups reminds her that the dream she is working toward is possible. She admires their courage, strength and determination, but especially the years of work behind every race run. They motivate her to keep training, improving and believing that one day she can be standing at that same start gate.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Watching Valentina become the U.S. National Downhill Champion is a moment I will never forget. Four years earlier, she arrived in the U.S. from Mexico with big dreams and so much still to learn. That jersey represented every fall, sacrifice, early morning, hard training day and moment she chose not to give up. I was proud of the title, but even prouder of the determined, humble young woman standing on that podium.