Palo Verde football head coach Wally Grant passes away

BLYTHE, Callif. (KYMA) - The Blythe community is mourning the loss of head football coach Wally Grant, who passed away on Aug. 14 at the age of 61.

Grant joined Palo Verde High School as head football coach in 2019 after building a successful coaching career at multiple schools throughout California. He quickly established a winning culture at Palo Verde High School, leading the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back CIF San Diego Section championships in 2021 and 2022.

After stepping away from coaching for two years while battling cancer, Grant returned to the sidelines for the 2025-26 season. In his comeback campaign, he guided Palo Verde to a berth in the CIF 5-AA Section Championship game, continuing the success that had become a hallmark of his tenure.

As much as Grant cared about his football team, he cared even more about his loving family.

Grant is survived by his mother, Marilyn; his brothers, Tony and Andy; Andy’s wife, Wendy, and their children, Brayden and Josilyn. He is also survived by his wife, Tammy; their three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Lindsay, Matt and Laura, and Shawn and Kelli; and his two grandchildren, Quinn and Henry.

Palo Verde High School is planning a celebration of life on Aug. 29 to honor Grant’s legacy and impact on the community.