Angelo State University Athletics

Coach Waddington's Take on Kaelen Valdez:
“I think Kaelen has the highest volleyball IQ of just about anyone I have ever coached. She makes things happen on the court both offensively and defensively. We’ll need that from her to be great this fall.”

2012 Honors
• Lone Star Conference Second-Team

2011: Played in 31 matches as a sophomore for the Belles who went 31-6 and advanced to the NCAA Division II tournament... Finished the season with 287 kills and 364 digs... Had a career-high 20 kills in a win over Abilene Christian.

2010: Played in all 31 matches for the Belles with 30 starts…Led the team in digs with 331 and double-doubles with 12…Averaged 2.62 kills per set which is good for second on the team…Finished her freshman year with 273 kills, 31 assists, 14 service aces and 27 total blocks…Named the AVCA South Central Region Freshman of the Year…Collected All-Lone Star Conference Second Team honors…Named to the All-LSC Tournament Team…Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week (11/2)...Notched a career-high 16 kills against East Central on Oct. 23…Tallied a career-best 20 digs at Florida Southern on Sept. 2.

High School: Played four seasons for former Belle Yami Garcia at O’Connor High School…Helped the Panthers to four consecutive district 28-5A titles, the last three with undefeated district records…Led OCHS to the regional quarterfinals her first three years and the regional finals her senior campaign…Named to Northside All-Tournament team all four seasons and the tournament MVP as a sophomore and junior…Selected to the San Antonio All-City team her final three years and the TGCA All-State team as a junior…Served as team captain her final three years…Played club ball for Alamo Volleyball Club for 10 years.

Personal: Daughter of Eugene and Leandra Valdez…Father played baseball and mother played volleyball at Schreiner College…Major is communication with teacher’s certification.

Beyond the Court
Expectations and goals for the 2013 season: My expectations for this season are very high. We know how it feels to compete at a high level and we have a great coaching staff to help push us in the direction we need to be to win another championship.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of: Winning the conference last year is definitely a huge accomplishment and something I will never forget.
Why choosing to play at Angelo State was a great decision: Choosing ASU was a great decision because the volleyball program is growing into something amazing and the town support it tremendous. Being away from home was easy because of the comfort our team and the support we get from our ram fam.
What do you enjoy most about playing in the Junell Center: The Junell Center is so much fun to play in it is a blessing that we are so lucky to play in this amazing facility.
Teammate I wouldn't want to try and dig in a match: Clearly whenever THE Madison Huth hits we all run and hide.
Funniest teammate and why: Maddie is probably the funniest person on our team she always makes an awkward moment funny
Most serious teammate and why: I can't choose a most serious teammate because we are all serious when it becomes game time.
Dream concert: Dream concert ummm right now would be Luke Bryan
Dream career: Dream career would be a trophy wife but in reality I want to be a high school volleyball coach.
Favorite memory would be playing against WT at our place in front of all those people it was such a fun game.