Ari Valdez is a Roadrunner through and through. The Denver-native and graduate of John F. Kennedy High School enrolled at MSU Denver in fall 2018 with her sights set on completing a degree in integrative health care and eventually becoming a nurse.
With only one semester left until graduation, Ari is exploring a variety of career paths in the health space. We’re excited to follow her journey and see where her future leads.
“When it was time to choose where I would go to college, MSU Denver was the perfect answer for me and my family – it was local, provides excellent academic programs and gave me the opportunity to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. In many ways, I believe I was born to be a Roadrunner.”
Ari Valdez Bleeds Roadrunner Red and Blue
As a four-time letterwinner in both softball and basketball at John F. Kennedy High School in Denver, Ari knew she wasn’t quite done being an athlete when she graduated high school.
Her dream to play college softball was fulfilled when she joined the Roadrunners Softball program in Fall 2018. They got even bigger when the walk-on student-athlete earned a starting position for the squad and cemented herself as a stronghold for the Roadrunners for the next four years.
Her time in a Roadrunners uniform was highlighted with All-RMAC honors including earning the 2021 RMAC Gold Glove award and making the All-RMAC Tournament Team in 2022. Ari carried a career .284 batting average playing both outfield and second base for the Roadrunners.
Ari is engaged with MSU Denver in many ways. Click below to learn more about his Roadrunner connections.
Roadrunners softball is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Since 2009 the Roadrunners have won four regular season RMAC titles and four other RMAC Tournament championships, while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament six times.
DSF Leadership is an opportunity for leadership, social, and emotional support for DSF Scholars at MSU Denver. Participants utilize campus resources, participate in DSF Leadership Program Workshops & events, and receive peer mentoring.
The Integrative Health Care (IHC) program provides a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness through evidence-based teaching and practices that combine the most recent scientific evidence with the oldest of healing traditions, such as botanical and ayurvedic medicines.
MSU Denver earned Hispanic-Serving Institution status in 2019 and aspires to become a model HSI by creating and sustaining initiatives that support students as they achieve their academic goals and prepare for their careers.
There are various employment types available for students ranging from student hourly, work-study, and internships, to career opportunities.
At MSU Denver, 57.7% of undergraduates are First-Generation Students and the First-Generation Initiatives Program serves as a resource hub for current First-Generation students as they navigate campus.
