AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Caprock softball center fielder Annalei Valdez will continue her athletic career at Midland College, joining the Lady Chaps softball team.
Valdez was named the District 3-5A Newcomer of the Year during her sophomore season. She has developed under head coach Bobby Langford and earned the District Defensive Player of the Year award last season.
“It’s just a day of gratitude. I’m super grateful to be here today and I have so many people that helped me along this journey to get where I am today,” Valdez said. “It’s just so amazing and so surreal. I’ve always dreamed of this moment and now that it’s actually here and it’s happening, I’m just so grateful.”
Valdez transferred to Caprock halfway through her freshman year.
“They just welcomed me with open arms. They were loving, they accepted me and they believed in me as a player and as a person,” she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Valdez said the coaching staff and campus environment influenced her decision to choose Midland College.
“The coaches were so great and I just love the environment there and the campus. It’s not too far from home and it just felt right,” she said.
Coach praises Valdez’s work ethic
Langford praised Valdez’s work ethic and leadership qualities.
“If you have been around softball at all, you know what a special athlete this is,” Langford said. “She is such a hard worker and not only is she a hard worker when you’re looking but... earlier yesterday she’s out working with the other girls and I mean she’s working, she’s helping, she’s doing everything that you would want as a coach and that’s who she is as a person.”
Langford highlighted Valdez’s progression from district newcomer to defensive player of the year.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Coming from newcomer of the year her Sophomore year, to defensive player of the year last year for the whole district, in such a tough district, she is phenomenal,” he said. “One of the best center fielders that I’ve ever seen.”
Langford said Valdez’s versatility sets her apart as an athlete.
“All the awards that she has won is being in center field but she can play anywhere. We preach when we come out to the softball field we want them to be athletes and not just playing certain positions and she can play anywhere,” he said.
Langford described Valdez as a leader by example who maintains a positive attitude.
“You want somebody that leads by example and she is the definition of that,” he said. “She’s not the loudest on the team but she is going to be the one that leads by example. She’s going to be the one that’s positive in the dugout and working hard.”
Copyright 2026 KFDA. All rights reserved.