Richard Valdes is an experienced athletic trainer, educator, and sports medicine professional with two decades of service in collegiate athletics, clinical care, and higher education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Athletic Training from the University of Georgia in 2004 and went on to complete a Master of Science in Sports Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2006.

Professionally, Richard has held leadership roles in sports medicine and performance. Most notably, he served as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Performance at Houston Baptist University from 2012 to 2022, where he oversaw the healthcare needs of 350 NCAA Division I athletes, managed a multidisciplinary staff, and directed football sports medicine operations. He also spearheaded COVID-19 protocols, concussion management, drug testing procedures, and large-scale athletic partnerships. Prior to that, he served as Head Football Athletic Trainer at Rice University, where he developed key emergency and injury management protocols and served as Medical Director in the 2011 Final Four as well as various other NCAA post-season championship events, and as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Southern Miss. Most recently, he has worked as a Physician Extender Athletic Trainer at PT Solutions/Alliance Spine and Pain Center, focusing on patient evaluation, education, and interdisciplinary clinical support.

In addition to his clinical and administrative expertise, Richard has also enjoyed teaching in higher education. He currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of West Georgia and previously as an Adjunct Faculty at Houston Baptist University, delivering courses in kinesiology, coaching, sport management, wellness, human movement, injury prevention, and personal training across online, hybrid, and face-to-face settings.

Richard is also a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.