Richie Valdes is in his second year as the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Southern Miss softball and football team.

Valdes, a native of Lawrenceville, Ga., received his bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science in athletic training from the University of Georgia in the spring of 2004. While at Georgia, Valdes worked with the track and field team, the women's soccer team, the football team (2004 Capital One Bowl Champs), and the women's softball team (2003 SEC Champions).

The son of Rick and Sandy Valdes, he is currently working on his Master's Degree in Sports Administration at Southern Miss.