Zillah girls' basketball head coach memorial service set for Saturday afternoon

Brandie Valadez, head coach of the Zillah varsity girls' basketball team, passed away on August 6 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. In her 13 seasons as coach, she amassed an impressive record of 244 wins against 73 losses and secured three state trophies, including a fourth-place finish this past season. A memorial service will be held on August 16 at 1 p. m. at Zillah Middle School in the Alumni Gymnasium, where community members are expected to honor her legacy.

Valadez, who also played for Zillah, previously coached at Highland for three seasons, demonstrating her deep commitment to local youth sports. Her impact on the players and the community was profound, as she inspired many young athletes. Valadez was only 41 years old at the time of her passing, highlighting the tragic loss of a vibrant community leader. The memorial service will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and former players to celebrate her life and contributions to the sport.