Zillah Girls Basketball Coach Brandie Valadez, 41, Passes Away After Long Battle With Cancer, Leaving Behind Husband Armando And Two Daughters
May she rest in peace!
August 7, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 7, 2026
Brandie Valadez, a cherished leader in Zillah’s basketball realm, departed early Wednesday at 41 following a brave, decade-long struggle with breast cancer.
Recognized for her guiding presence and profound affection for her community and family, Valadez’s impact reached far beyond the basketball arena.
From Star Player To Inspirational Coach
A Zillah native, Valadez, née Bounds, left a mark as a player and later as a coach.
As a standout athlete for the Zillah Leopards, she scored 1,509 points and earned SCAC West Player of the Year honors twice.
She later played in 80 games for Eastern Washington University between 2002 and 2005.
After beginning her coaching journey at Highland, she returned to Zillah in 2012 to lead the girls’ basketball team.
Under her guidance, the team reached the 1A semifinals in 2015 and secured a fourth-place state finish in 2026, the program’s best since Valadez herself was on the court as a player in 2000.
A Relentless Fighter In Life And On The Sidelines
Valadez’s battle with breast cancer was marked by determination and grace.
She spoke openly about her condition during the 2015 state tournament, describing it as “just another bump in the road.”
Her perseverance allowed her to continue living life as fully as possible, a trait admired by all who knew her.
Zillah boys’ basketball coach and fellow teacher Mario Mengarelli said,
“She fought to the bitter end. Her toughness rubbed off on the whole Zillah community, not just her team.”
Even as her condition worsened, she remained on the sidelines, coaching, inspiring, and leading.
Her final team honored her with pink shoes during their state tournament run.
A Special Bond With Her Daughter And Husband
Brandie Valadez is survived by her husband, Armando, and their daughters, Bella and Berklie.
One of the most meaningful moments in Valadez’s career came when she had the opportunity to coach her daughter, Bella, during her freshman season.
Bella averaged nearly 15 points per game, earning second-team All-SCAC and All-1A State Tournament honors.
Brandie said after a December victory in the SunDome Shootout,
“I’ve waited for this day my entire life, so I’m going to cherish every moment of it.”
Though details of her service were not finalized at press time, tributes poured in from across the community.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Zillah girls’ basketball team described her as “the heart and soul of our program.”
“Thank you B for endless years of love, strength, dedication, and fight, not only for your family, but for your community and all the young lives you coached as well.”
Similarly, a family friend expressed heartfelt sympathy:
“My deepest sympathies go out to my primo Armando Valadez and his beautiful daughters. Brandie was a shining beacon of hope. May you find strength and comfort in our prayers always.”
Brandie Valadez’s legacy will forever be remembered!
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