Valorie Darling is from the Pacific Northwest and grew up with a strong passion for community service, traveling and performing. At a young age, Darling co-founded the non-profit Helping Hearts and raised over $15,000 for Romanian orphans. She later attended college at University of Oregon, where she majored in Political Science and Journalism. Valorie's active background in dance and gymnastics earned her a scholarship on the Duck cheerleading squad. She captained for two years and won USA Nationals. Her collegiate accomplishments and striking features landed her a spread in Sports Illustrated as "Cheerleader Of The Week."