Sophia Valdez named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week presented by Air Force Special Warfare

Sophia Valdez (Colorado Springs, Colo./Betterman Elite Wrestling) has been named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week, presented by Air Force Special Warfare, on January 7, 2026.

Valdez impressed on her way to the 87/93-pound title in the Middle School Girls division at the 2026 USA Wrestling Folkstyle Tour of America Salt Lake Slam held last Saturday at Western Sports Park in Farmington, Utah.

The Colorado Springs native won four bouts, with two pins, a technical fall and a major decision to her credit. Valdez notched a pin in 2:55 over Hayden Robinson of Wyoming in the first-place match. She was named the Outstanding Wrestler award recipient in her division.

The Salt Lake Slam win was her second Folkstyle Tour of America tournament title this season. She also brought home first place at the Queen of the Mountain event held in Colorado Springs, Colo. At the 2025 Women’s Nationals, Valdez finished in first place at the 14U Girls division at 85 pounds and was runner-up in the U15 Girls bracket at 39 kg. Valdez has a successful track record of placing at USA Wrestling events going back to 2018, when she started in the 8U division.

To nominate a wrestler for this honor, please email the athlete’s name, wrestling program, weekly accomplishments and career accolades to communications@usawrestling.org.