When junior midfielder Julian Valle takes the field for Cal State East Bay men's soccer, he's not just playing the game he loves, he's representing home. A Union City native, Valle grew up minutes from campus, and joining the Pioneers was more than a college decision, it was a calling.
 
"It goes without saying that Cal State East Bay felt like home because in many ways, it is," Valle said. "When the opportunity was presented to join a program on the edge of a new beginning, it felt like a calling, to help redefine the identity of a program, not simply inherit one. Rather than chase tradition, I chose to help create it."
 
That commitment to building something greater than himself has defined Valle's approach since day one. He's become a steady voice on and off the field, a leader motivated not only by his own goals, but by what he represents.
 
"I'm undoubtedly inspired by my family, my community, and the beautiful people of the Bay Area," Valle said. "It's where I come from, and it's who I represent every time I step on the field or into the classroom. It's not just about what I accomplish for myself, but about who might be watching along the way."
 
That deep connection to community has given Valle a perspective far beyond the pitch. Whether it's younger players in his hometown or his own family cheering from the sidelines, Valle takes pride in setting a standard others can follow. "If even one person feels inspired to chase something bigger because they saw me do it," he said, "then it's all worth it."
 
Valle's ambition extends into his academic life as well. Majoring in Operations & Supply Chain Management, he hopes to use his education to help small businesses grow and adapt in an increasingly digital world.
 
"I want to build a life where my work creates value for others, especially for small business owners trying to keep up with rapidly changing technologies," Valle explained. "I see myself launching ventures that serve communities not just here in the Bay, but across the nation. More than anything, I want to live the life God has called me to, spreading love, embracing challenges, and inspiring growth in everyone I meet."
 
That mindset of purpose and perseverance was put to the test in early 2024, when Valle faced one of the toughest challenges of his career — a serious foot injury that required surgery and an eight-month recovery.
 
"I broke my foot the day before we were set to report for spring training," Valle recalled. "It was a humbling experience to be suddenly pulled from doing what I love most, while knowing the world around me kept moving forward. I made the decision not to dwell on what I couldn't do, but to instead appreciate what I could."
 
Through months of rehab, Valle's focus and faith never wavered. "I poured everything I had into my recovery, stayed committed to the process, and trusted that the work would speak for itself," he said. "That mindset paid off when I returned and finished first in our team fitness test. It wasn't just a comeback physically, it was a testament to resilience, discipline, and the character I built through adversity."
 
Beyond soccer and academics, Valle is passionate about advocacy, particularly for immigrant families facing uncertainty and fear. Coming from an immigrant household himself, he has seen firsthand the impact of instability and believes in standing up for those who often go unheard.
 
"I believe in supporting immigrant communities, particularly those impacted by ongoing ICE raids," Valle said. "No one should have to live in fear of being separated from their loved ones simply for seeking a better future. These are not threats or statistics, they are people full of hope, love, and resilience."
 
For Valle, being a Pioneer isn't just about competing, it's about representing something bigger. "There's no greater privilege than being part of a movement rather than just another moment," he said. "East Bay reflected who I am, and I knew I could proudly represent everything it stands for."