The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation has announced the recent addition of several staff members.
 
Sarah Hacker has been named Assistant Director of Events & Facilities. A two-time Valparaiso University graduate who earned a bachelor's in sports management in December 2022 and a master's in sports administration in May 2024, Hacker transitions into a new role in the department after previously serving as the Director of Football Operations. Before taking over leadership of the football program's operations, she served as the team's head student manager from January 2020 to December 2022. Hacker also gained experience as a member of the athletics student event staff from 2020 to 2024.
 
"Valparaiso University has played a major role in shaping my journey both academically and professionally, and I'm excited to step into this new role," Hacker said. "As a Valpo alum and former member of the football staff, I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing while helping the athletics department enhance its facilities, events and overall student-athlete experience."


 
The department has also announced the hiring of sport performance coach Brad Koenig, who will lead the strength and conditioning efforts for the volleyball and softball programs while also assisting with football. Koenig previously served as a strength and conditioning intern at Ohio State after also gaining experience as an intern at Barwis Sports Performance Training in Deerfield Beach, Fla. and at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Koenig is a former Division-I football student-athlete at Miami, where he was a team captain in 2017 and 2018 and played as a linebacker from 2014-2018. He graduated from Miami in December 2019 with a degree in engineering management.
 
"I'm extremely grateful to be joining Valparaiso and thrilled to work with a group of great people who are committed to helping student-athletes excel on the field and in every area of their lives," Koenig said.


 
The campus recreation team has welcomed three new staffers as part of the University's premier club sport launch. Raúl de la Torre has been named the head men's club rugby coach. A native of Barcelona, Spain, de la Torre is a former professional rugby player, coach and accomplished visual artist. He graduated from the University of Barcelona (UB Barcelona) and began playing rugby at an early age with the RCD Espanyol youth system in the 1970s. He concluded a distinguished playing career in 2002 with FC Barcelona, retiring at age 38. Following his playing career, he served as head coach of FC Barcelona's Under-16 team before relocating to California in 2004. In the United States, he became head coach at Whittier College and later assistant forwards coach at Santa Monica Rugby.
 
"I chose to pursue the head coach position at Valparaiso University because it brings together the core motivations that have guided my life in rugby," de la Torre said. "I have a deep love for the sport and a strong desire to help a new generation of players discover not only rugby itself, but the values it teaches — discipline, respect, teamwork and resilience. Developing young athletes and helping them fall in love with the game has always been my greatest motivation as a coach. This opportunity is also meaningful on a personal level, as my wife's family has deep roots in Porter County. Returning to the area allows me to contribute to a community that is part of my own history while building something lasting through the rugby program."
 

Kaylee Pancek has been named Spirit Squad Coordinator and head cheer and dance coach. A graduate of Ball State University, Pancek owns over 20 years of experience in the dance world. She coached dance at Valparaiso High School prior to her arrival at the University.
 
"I am honored to lead the Cheer and Dance programs at Valparaiso University and look forward to building a culture of excellence, unity, and pride while developing student-athletes who represent Valpo at the highest level," Pancek said.
 
Pancek replaces longtime staff member Laura Yoder, who will be recognized at Saturday's men's basketball game as that will be her final game after two decades as the head coach of the department's cheer and dance teams. Yoder graduated from Valpo in 2000 and was part of the cheer and dance teams during her undergraduate tenure. She took over as the cheer and dance coach in 2005.


 
Sam Litt has been named Valpo Pep Band Director. Litt previously served as Director of Bands at Saguaro High School, Band/Orchestra Director at Ingleside Middle School and Assistant Marching Band Director at Arcadia High School. He served as Fighting Illini Athletic Bands Teaching Assistant and was the Director of the Illinois Volleyball Band, leading an NCAA Division-I volleyball pep band. He also served as a teaching assistant for beginning conducting, a graduate assistant at Sousa Archives and Center for American Music and administrative staff at Smith Walbridge Clinics. Litt is a two-time graduate of the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's in music technology (May 2018) and a master's in music education (May 2022).
 
"I'm very excited to help bring spirit to Valpo Athletics through music," Litt said.