Valdez transferring to Grand Valley State
Katey Valdez, one of the nation's top young lightweights, is transferring from McKendree to Grand Valley State.
Valdez arrived at McKendree in 2025 as one of the most accomplished recruits in her class. A product of Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, she won back-to-back Colorado state championships and finished her prep career with a 111-3 record. She is a multiple-time Fargo champion.
This spring, Valdez reinforced her status as one of the country's best young lightweights at the U.S. Open, defeating both 2026 NCAA finalists at 103 pounds: Grand Valley State's Rayana Sahagun and Iowa's Valarie Solorio.
Valdez joins a Grand Valley State program that has quickly emerged as one of the sport's rising powers under head coach Jake Short. The Lakers have placed fourth nationally in each of the past two seasons and enter the upcoming campaign with one of the deepest recruiting classes in the country. Valdez adds another elite option to a roster loaded with talent.