Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR:  A transfer from state junior college power El Camino, junior Orlando Valencia-Jimenez gives the Cougars size and depth in their defensive backfield ... Brings physicality to his play.

JUNIOR COLLEGE:  Split 2 college seasons between 2 different schools ... After a year layoff, returned to soccer last year at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., and was a key member of the Warriors' 24-1 team that won the California state title and voted the top team in the nation at the season's end ... Appeared in 21 games, starting 1 ... Scored a goal and assisted on 3 others ... Played a significant role in the Warriors allowing just 13 goals all season and playing on a defense that recorded 17 shutouts in 25 games ... Sat out the 2022 season after playing the 2021 season at East Los Angeles College ... Earned All-South Coast Conference second team recognition ... Played in 15 games for the 5-9-8 Huskies, assisting on a pair of goals.

HIGH SCHOOL:  Played 2 seasons of varsity soccer for Head Coach Miguel Ruiz at Bell Garden (Calif.) High, playing for Head Coach Miguel Ruiz ... Helped lead the Lancers to a combined 32-14-6 record, a pair of CIF playoff appearances and one Almont League title during his 2019 senior season when he earned All-Almont League first team recognition to go along with team defensive MVP honors.

PERSONAL:  Born Dec. 23, 2001 in Long Beach, Calif. .... His mother is Gladys Jimenez ... Has an older sister (Yulieer) and a young sister (Gerenia) ... Majoring in Kinesiology.