VALERIE COMBS

Valerie Combs is director of development for diversity and Engagement at University of Louisville. In my role I lead the philanthropic support for Diversity initiative units on campus. Valerie is also quality management business owner/partner in ventures serving the Louisville community and Retired Flight Attendant and entrepreneur. Previous roles include director of development for the Louisville Cardinals Athletic Fund. Combs, a 1981 graduate, is a former Louisville basketball student-athlete, Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and current past president of the L-Club (Letter winners).

Valerie is the fourth child of seven siblings of a retired Air Force Fire Fighter. I grew up all over the world, on retirement my parents returned to their home here in Louisville, Kentucky. A Butler High School graduate and State champion and Hall of fame member. I received one of the first full scholarships given to women at the University in 1976 and the first 1,00-point scorer in the school’s history.

I have one child, a daughter named Giavanna also graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in psychology and currently working on her master’s degree.  We both are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Eta Omega Chapter; as mother and daughter members it is such a special bond.  We both share a passion for service to all mankind. I look forward to her graduating and joining me in our graduate chapter of Eta Omega and serving our community.

 My daughter is a Ky Derby princess for the year 2020 & 2021; it is a privilege to be selected and serve as ambassador for the festival and she became the Queen during the Fillies ball by tradition of spinning  the wheel.

I recently was selected 2022 ACC UNITE Award. This award was created to honor individuals affiliated with the league who have made an impact in the areas of Racial and Social Justice ( CORE-Champions of Racial Equity) and was developed and approved by it’s 15 member institutions.  I was a pioneer for Louisville’s Women’s Basketball teamin it’s beginning years and became the program’s 1st 1,000-point scorer. I also was a member of the 1980 team that won the Metro Conference championship. I was inducted in the Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. I was honored at this seasons Football game and will again be honored at the Women’s Basketball game in February.

I am very fortunate to be able to work for the University that I love and to have played Basketball for a great women’s program. My future goals are to stay at the University until retirement age and then travel, travel, travel.

I am also looking forward to watching my daughter walk across the stage in Somerset, Kentucky as she represents “Old Louisville” in the Miss Kentucky Pageant on February 24th – 25th, 2023.

I am such a proud mom to have raised a beautiful daughter both inside and out, I am looking forward to the famous Dr. Seuss quote ; “ You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.-Oh, The places You Will Go!

This is the blessing I wish for GiaVanna Mirah-Faye Combs my Pride & Joy.