Samantha Mendez has been hired to take over the UT Permian Basin Softball program Director of Athletics Todd Dooley has announced.  Mendez comes to UTPB after serving as the assistant coach at Ottawa University since the 2019 season.
 
"I'm truly blessed, and I would like to thank Todd Dooley for this amazing opportunity," said Mendez.  "I'm excited to get things going here at UTPB and fostering relationships within the community. I look forward to building a competitive culture and family atmosphere, while taking the program to new heights."
 
Mendez helped the Braves become an NAIA power in four seasons.  They won back-to-back regular season Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships in 2021 and 2022, winning 81 games in the process.  Along with two straight National Tournament appearances, the Braves reached the NAIA World Series in 2021.  She coached back-to-back KCAC Pitcher of the Year, Casson Rasmussen, along with 28 All-Conference and two All-American selections.  In 2021, they were named the NFCA Region IV Coaching Staff of the Year.
 
"We're excited for Samantha Mendez to begin helming UTPB Softball," said Dooley.  "Sam's tireless work ethic, especially in recruiting, provides Falcon Softball a huge boost.  Lone Star Conference softball, as with many other sports competes nationally.  In our Pursuit of Comprehensive Excellence, we expect all our programs, including softball, to compete for conference titles and share the national stage with our conference peers.  Her addition marks another significant point of progress for UT Permian Basin Athletics."
 
Prior to joining the Ottawa staff, Mendez was an assistant at Northeastern State.  During her time with the Riverhawks, they reached the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association playoffs all three seasons and had six All-Conference and one All-American selection.  She also spent time as the Head Coach at Ellsworth Community College.  There she coached eight All-Conference selections in three seasons.
 
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