Staff / Contact

Executive Director – Valory Reed, valory@socalyouth.rugby

Valory was introduced to rugby in Park City, Utah over two decades ago and has been hooked since. Valory is an active softball pitching coach, former soccer coach, and has sat on SoCal area youth sport boards. Her obsession with the Olympic Games generated an opportunity to attend the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, work with the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake and Park City, Utah, and serve as an Olympic Torchbearer in 2002.  Valory has deep experience in non-profit organizations, events, hospitality, member and public relations, and marketing. 

Club & Competitions Coordinator – Justin Holshuh, justin@socalyouth.rugby

Justin fell in love with rugby when he was 13 and his passion has only grown over the last 25 years. Justin previously worked for USA Rugby handling eligibility, competitions, and compliance. Justin earned a degree in Sport Management from Colby-Sawyer College and is in the process of completing his Masters. In addition to Justin’s work with USA Rugby, he was also the co-chairman of the Frontier 7s Region and assisted in organizing the 2018 Rugby 7s World Cup. Justin coached at the University of Colorado, Mount Saint Mary’s University and helped start the University of Rio Grande rugby program. He has spent over two decades working in the sports industry and has a strong foundation in grassroots sports development. Additionally, he has founded multiple youth rugby clubs across the country. 

Player Welfare Program Manager – Christine Mitchell, christine@socalyouth.rugby

Having first discovered a passion for athletic training as a freshman in high school, Christine went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a Masters of Science in Human Physiology and has been a professional Certified Athletic Trainer for many years. She has served numerous sports including rugby, water polo, football, soccer, volleyball and tennis among others, while working for a variety of organizations including Boston University, the New England Revolution, San Diego State University and La Jolla Country Day School, where she is currently the Head Athletic Trainer.  Christine brings significant experience in policy development and implementation, along with a strong record of educating athletes, parents and coaches on the prevention and care of sports injuries. 

Athletic Trainer Allocator – Victoria Waller, victoria@socalyouth.rugby

Event & Referee Coordinator – Olivia Soares, olivia@socalyouth.rugby

Olivia was introduced to rugby when her parents started a youth rugby club in 2016, the Gridley Barbarians. Once in college, Olivia herself started the San Diego State University Women’s Rugby Club carrying on the family tradition of introducing the sport to others. After competing in Nationals her senior year at SDSU and taking second to Claremont College, Olivia completed her playing career. Next, she will step up as the Assistant Coach for the SDSU Women’s Team. Olivia’s passion for rugby paired with her hospitality and leadership degree will be a tremendous influence on the youth rugby experience throughout SoCal.