The University of New Mexico softball team and head coach Erica Beach announced the hiring of former All-American Lobo Jessica Garcia in October 2015.
“Jessica was one of the best players to come through New Mexico and play for this program,” said Beach. “To have her come from a great college and professional careers and some college coaching experience is going to help this program in so many ways.
“She has done everything you can imagine on the field and brings great energy and passion to this program. She is going to help these athletes not only become better on the field, but off the field as well.”
Garcia finished her Lobo playing days in 2012 after a stellar four-year career on the diamond, earning many accolades including becoming the first NFCA All-American since 1990 (fifth Lobo to earn the honor) and earning a spot on the Easton Fastpitch All-American Second Team.
The two-time Offensive and Most Valuable Player of the Year for the Lobos established multiple single-season records at New Mexico, including home runs (24, fifth in Mountain West history), batting average (.448), throwing out runners (21), hits (81), RBIs (69), slugging percentage (.917) and total bases (166). Garcia currently owns the career record for throwing out runners with 64 and ranks among the top five in home runs (second, 38), hits (fifth, 193), RBIs (third, 131) and total bases (second, 346).
Following her Lobo career, Garcia signed with the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch league in July of 2012 and has made a huge impact, leading the team to the NPF Championship series in 2014. Garcia remains with the Racers prganization.
“It’s more than excitement,” said Garcia. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Lobos program again. I played under coach Beach, so it means a lot to come back and be a part of something great. I am excited to bring my experiences to the program. Having pro ball experience and playing for the Lobos will help greatly. “
This isn’t the first coaching position for Garcia, as she brings different levels of experience to the program. During her final academic year at New Mexico, Garcia was a student-assistant under Beach. She then moved on to the University of Redlands for a season at the Division III level before moving back to Division I at Monmouth University for one year.