San Antonio, Texas – After one season helping lead the University of the Cumberlands to the NAIA World Series, one of the most decorated student-athletes in Our Lady of the Lake University softball history is coming home.

Cassie Valdez has returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach, bringing with her championship experience as both a player and coach after spending the 2025-26 season on the Patriots coaching staff under Bruce Lenington.

Valdez's journey has come full circle. After starring in the circle for the Saints and helping OLLU capture the 2024 NAIA National Championship, she later followed Lenington to the University of the Cumberlands. In her first season on the sidelines for the Patriots, she helped guide the Patriots to the 2026 NAIA World Series, gaining valuable coaching experience while contributing to one of the NAIA's top programs.

As a player, Valdez cemented her place among the greatest in OLLU softball history. She led the Saints to the program's first NAIA National Championship in 2024 while earning NAIA Pitcher of the Year honors, NAIA World Series Most Valuable Player recognition, and her third career NAIA All-America selection.

Following graduation, Valdez continued competing at the highest levels of the sport by representing the Mexican National Team and playing professionally. Her experiences as an elite student-athlete, international competitor, professional player, and coach have provided her with a unique perspective that she now brings back to the Saints program.

Returning to OLLU, Valdez adds a wealth of championship experience to the coaching staff. Having experienced success both as a player with the Saints and as a coach at Cumberlands, she is well-positioned to help develop the next generation of OLLU student-athletes while continuing the program's tradition of excellence.

Valdez's return represents a full-circle moment for both her and the Saints softball program. Her familiarity with OLLU's culture, combined with the coaching experience she gained during the Patriots' World Series run, strengthens a program that continues to compete among the NAIA's elite.

From All-American and national champion to collegiate coach, Valdez returns home ready to help write the next chapter of Saints softball.