Serenda Valdez is currently the Director of Admissions and PSA Eligibility at the University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department. She is responsible for academic evaluations of the UH Admissions & NCAA eligibility requirements for all 21 UH athletic teams’ prospective student-athletes (PSA). In addition, she advises UH coaches on their recruit’s process and progress for UH admissibility and NCAA eligibility.
Valdez works closely with the NCAA Eligibility Center, UH Office of Admissions, Student-Athlete Academic Services Advisors, International Student Services and Compliance Office. She previously worked as an Admissions Specialist for three years at the UH Office of Admissions, where she evaluated high school and transfer applicants for admissibility.
Valdez also spent 13 years with the UH Rainbow Wahine basketball program in various positions including graduate assistant coach, assistant coach, and associate coach. She was mentored and coached under longtime Circle of Honor inductee Head Coach Vince Goo.
She also spent one year as an assistant coach at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) in southern California prior to coaching at UH.
Valdez earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health with an emphasis in coaching and teaching. She also has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education.
Born in Wailuku, Maui and raised in Anaheim, Calif., she has strong ‘ohana roots on Molokai, Maui and southern California. Among her 'ohana including Hiram Travis and Kapono Rawlins-Crivello, who played football for UH and Keahi Rawlins, who competed on the UH baseball team. Her family also includes many members who are involved with coaching youth and high school athletics.
