Donor Spotlight: Val Almendarez and Roxy Salinas

10.13.2026 | Longhorn Foundation

By: Ruby Mach

About Val and Roxy

For Val, it has always been Texas or nowhere. A San Marcos native, Val attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Biological Sciences in 1988. Today, as a successful obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in robotic surgery, Val sees Texas as much more than a university. It is a community rooted in tradition, connection and opportunity.

Roxy's connection to the Forty Acres came later in life when she married Val, but her Longhorn pride has since grown deep. As a financial advisor with Frost Investments, Roxy understands the value of a meaningful investment. To her, The University of Texas represents one of the greatest investments of all: an institution where the opportunities created today can shape the world of tomorrow.

The University of Texas represents one of the greatest investments of all: an institution where the opportunities created today can shape the world of tomorrow.

What is your connection to The University of Texas and when did Texas first become part of your story?

Val: Growing up in San Marcos, I had several aunts and uncles who attended UT, so my connection to the University and Texas Athletics started at a young age. I grew up cheering on Texas Football and admiring Earl Campbell. When it came time to apply for college, it was Texas or nowhere. UT was the only school I applied to, and there was never anywhere else I wanted to be.

Roxy: I didn’t attend UT or become a fan of Texas Athletics until I met Val. But once I became part of the Longhorn community, I quickly fell in love with the people, the traditions and the atmosphere surrounding the University and Texas Athletics. It’s become a huge part of my life.

What role has Texas Athletics played in your connection to the university?

Val: Texas Athletics has always been a way for our family to stay connected. My kids are all grown up and out of the house now, but gamedays remain a tradition that brings us together. We've attended Texas sporting events as a family since the kids were born, and continuing that tradition keeps us connected to each other, the University and the greater Longhorn community.

Roxy: Texas Athletics plays a huge role in our connection to the University. Supporting athletics allows us to be part of the broader Longhorn community and share in the excitement of cheering on student-athletes who work so hard every day to represent Texas. It's special to come together with fellow Longhorns to support these student-athletes and celebrate all they do to make us proud.

Why is supporting Texas Athletics important to you?

Val: We really want the student part of student-athlete to mean the most. People don't always realize that these incredible athletes are students first, balancing the demands of their sport with their education. They need support not only to develop on the playing field, but also to succeed in the classroom. Ultimately, that combination of athletic and academic growth is what will prepare them for success long after their playing careers come to an end.

Roxy: I believe in investing in people, and supporting Texas Athletics is one way to invest in the future of these student-athletes. That support creates opportunities for personal and professional growth, helping them develop leadership skills and other qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. The dedication they bring to gameday and the pride they take in representing their peers and the University are truly admirable. Being able to support that mission and help ensure future generations of Longhorns have the same opportunities to learn, grow and succeed is incredibly meaningful to me.

Do you have a favorite Texas sports memory or moment that stands out over the years?

Roxy: By far, one of my favorite Texas sports memories was the European Tour I took with Texas Softball this past summer. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to lift the hood and get a behind-the-scenes look at the relationships between the coaches and student-athletes. Seeing how well the coaches understood each player and knew how to motivate and support them in different moments was especially meaningful. It gave me an even deeper appreciation for the team and the culture surrounding it. It showed me that Texas invests not only in the development of its student-athletes, but also in the people and support systems that surround them. I believe that commitment is what builds the foundation for their success. One thing that surprised me while on the trip was seeing firsthand just how much fan interaction and encouragement motivate the team. The players truly feed off that energy, and the experience has made me want to cheer even louder on gamedays!

Texas invests not only in the development of its student-athletes, but also in the people and support systems that surround them. I believe that commitment is what builds the foundation for success.

If you could sit down with a current Longhorn student-athlete and tell them one thing, what would you say?

Val: Never lose your connection to the University or the people you meet here. Cherish and nurture the relationships you build at Texas because the community you find on the Forty Acres is something truly special. Those connections can last a lifetime, and nothing can replace them.

Roxy: Trust in your abilities, learn from your setbacks and never be afraid to pursue goals that challenge you. Life is full of calculated risks, whether in competition or in your professional career, and taking those chances can lead to incredible opportunities. If things don't go as planned, assess what you've learned, adapt and try again. Growth comes from being willing to take that next step, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Nothing can replace the connections you build on the Forty Acres.

Why do you think it's important for Longhorns to continue investing in the future of Texas Athletics?

Val: Texas is the best of the best, and investing in Texas Athletics helps ensure we continue to uphold that standard. It allows us to provide student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed, both in competition and in the classroom.

Roxy: Investing in Texas Athletics means investing in a community. It's a community that brings people together, even in divisive times, through a shared pride in the University. Knowing that we can contribute to something that unites so many people is incredibly meaningful. The impact of Texas Athletics extends far beyond sports. These student-athletes are developing into future professionals and leaders, and supporting their education, growth and overall journey is an important way to invest in the future of the University and the next generation of Longhorns.

What's one thing about Texas that you don't think you could ever explain to someone who isn't a Longhorn?

Val: The atmosphere inside the Cotton Bowl during the Allstate Red River Rivalry is something you simply have to experience to understand. There's nothing quite like it, and no other gameday experience compares. I've only missed one game since 1984, and it's something I look forward to every year. It's a tradition that never gets old.

Roxy: Before becoming involved with Texas Athletics, I didn't fully understand what sports meant to people. Now, I see firsthand how much they bring people together. The energy on gameday, watching student-athletes grow and develop, and being part of a community that genuinely cares about the University are all incredibly special. It's more than just sports; it's the shared pride, traditions and connections that make being a Longhorn so meaningful.

What excites you the most about the future of Texas Athletics?

Roxy: What excites me most is the continued growth and recognition of women's sports. Texas has built a strong tradition of supporting female student-athletes, and it's exciting to see the continued investment, visibility and opportunities that allow them to compete and excel at the highest levels. It's been especially encouraging to see University leaders like Coach Sark and Chris Del Conte use their platforms to champion women's sports and shine a greater spotlight on female student-athletes. I love seeing Texas invest across its entire athletic program, ensuring that support extends beyond football and baseball to every sport and the student-athletes who represent the University. That commitment creates opportunities for these athletes to grow, succeed and inspire the next generation. I'm excited to see how that momentum continues and how women's sports will keep growing for years to come at Texas.