Long Beach State has appointed Mariah Lopez as the new pitching coach starting in 2026, succeeding a successful trajectory in collegiate softball. Lopez has a notable playing record; she participated in the Women's College World Series four times and won a national championship with Oklahoma in 2017, boasting a lifetime pitching record of 71-7 and a 1.78 ERA. After her playing days, she transitioned into coaching, gaining experience at various institutions, including Minnesota and Boise State, where she led a pitching staff effectively last season. Head coach Kendall Fearn expressed enthusiasm about Lopez joining the team, highlighting her character and commitment to player development. Additionally, Tyler Heil has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, acknowledging his significant contributions to the program.

By the Numbers
  • Mariah Lopez holds a career collegiate record of 71-7 with a 1.78 ERA.
  • During her time at Long Beach State, the team batted .305 and set a program record with 95 doubles.
State of Play
  • Lopez's hiring is part of a broader coaching adjustment strategy within Long Beach State softball.
  • The upcoming season will see improvements in coaching staff aimed at enhancing player performance and program success.
What's Next

Lopez will begin her role at Long Beach State by working on strengthening the pitching staff and developing stronger connections with student-athletes. The focus will be on maintaining high performance in the upcoming season and building upon the recent successes of the program.

Bottom Line

Mariah Lopez's addition as pitching coach signals a commitment to elevating Long Beach State softball, leveraging her competitive experience and coaching background to foster player growth and achieve championship goals.