Oakton is very pleased to announce the promotion of assistant coach Riley Mendoza to head softball coach. "I'm very excited about the hiring of Riley as our next head coach. I am confident she will lead our program into the next phase of success and competition, " said Christine Paciero, Athletic Director. "She is passionate about softball and the growth and development of young women, and possesses the important administrative and communication skills necessary to lead. Additionally, she has a strong softball network that will help us grow softball opportunities for college women!" 

 

Riley graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago, IL.  While at Lane Tech, she broke school records and was named all conference for 2 years. She received a national ranking for fielding percentage her senior year.

 

Riley competed collegiately at NAIA St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. While attending St. Ambrose Riley was an ambitious and accomplished student athlete earning two bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Social Work before moving on to earn her master's degree in Social Work.  She currently works as a telehealth mental health (LMSW) counselor. 

       

After finishing her career as a player, Riley found a new love for the game through coaching. She began her coaching journey through private lessons to players of all ages looking to enhance their skills in both catching and hitting. Riley began her travel coaching career in 2022 with The Mill Fastpitch and has since moved on to coach with The Athletic Barn Fastpitch, where she currently coaches. Riley has now coached collegiately for two seasons, with her first being at Morton College (2022-2023) and now at Oakton (2023-present). 

 

"I am thrilled to be the next head softball coach," said Riley Mendoza. "I want to thank Christine Paciero for this opportunity and look forward to building a tradition of success on the field, in the classroom and in the community."