STOCKTON, Calif.- The Pacific softball team, under new head coach Sam Duran-Kukuk, announced the addition of Elk Grove, California native Miranda Rodriguez to its coaching staff.

"I am very excited to add Miranda to our staff! I knew right away that she was going to be the perfect fit for our program," head coach Sam Duran-Kukuk said. "Her passion and love for the game is incredible, and it is exactly what this program needs. She truly wants to make those around her better, and I can't wait to see her make an immediate impact on this team."
 
The former Kansas Jayhawk product got her collegiate start at Cosumnes River Junior College before spending four seasons in Lawrence, Kansas where she graduated in 2021. Rodriguez appeared in 90 games during her tenure, including 67 starts at second base. In her final season she was named All-Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
 
Rodriguez jumped right into coaching upon graduation, working with Memphis as a volunteer assistant. She oversaw game day and camp operations while assisting with infield, outfield and hitting.
 
The experience propelled Rodriguez to a head coaching stop at the Florida Gulf Coast League the summer of 2022 before she took on the role as a volunteer assistant at Illinois where she remained through the 2023 season. 
 
Her specialty in working with infield, outfield and hitting led her to Abilene Christian where she spent the 2023-24 year as an assistant coach.
 
Rodriguez graduated with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kansas, obtaining her bachelor's in exercise science and master's in sport management.

"One thing I will say is God is always on time. I am so excited to join University of the Pacific and the Tigers Softball FamIly," Rodriguez shared. "I'd like to thank Coach Sam Duran-Kukuk for the opportunity and I'm eager to bring her vision for this program to life. Being a Northern California kid myself, the thought of getting back closer to home was one I just couldn't pass up."
 
For all the latest on Pacific Softball be sure to follow the team on X (@PacificSoftball), Instagram (@pacificsoftball) and "like" the team's official Facebook page (Pacific Softball).

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