Franklin swimmer Kiersten Valdez signs to continue career at NMSU

Franklin swimmer Kiersten Valdez is officially joining the NMSU swimming program after signing her letter of intent Wednesday at a ceremony in the Franklin cafeteria.

Valdez, who specializes in the 100 back and 100 fly, says she knew she wanted to stay close to home, so NMSU was a perfect fit.

Valdez was joined by friends, family, coaches, and teammates at the ceremony Wednesday where she put pen to paper to make her commitment official.

She also shared some advice with younger swimmers who may want to follow in her footsteps.

“I think just really work hard. Take all the advice that they’re given from their coaches and give it their all in the pool and just really try their hardest,” she said.

Though Valdez has some serious talent, she also knows that she has to step up her training to be able to star at the next level as well.

“I think, really, a lot is my underwater swimming. So like my kick-outs and everything to really be able to keep up with these other swimmers at NMSU,” she said.