Sangamon Sun

Illinois College Names Samantha Mendez Head Softball Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Illinois College has named Samantha Mendez its Head Softball Coach, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Meghan Roman.

"We are thrilled to welcome Samantha to the IC family," Roman said. "Samantha brings a wealth of coaching experience and a tremendous knowledge of the game. It was evident in our conversations that she has a passion for mentoring student-athletes as well and we look forward to watching her continue the proud tradition of the Lady Blues softball program."

"I am honored and extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the softball program at Illinois College. I would like to thank Meghan Roman for trusting me to continue the profound tradition that has been set here at IC," Mendez said. "I couldn't be more excited to get things going and invest in our student-athletes, our college and the Jacksonville community."

Mendez comes to the Hilltop from the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas where she has been the head coach since 2022.

Before taking the position with the Falcons, Mendez was an assistant coach with Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan. from 2018-22 where she helped the Braves become an NAIA power in four seasons.

Ottawa 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, Mendez was part of the staff that was named the NFCA Region IV Coaching Staff of the Year.

Prior to her time at Ottawa, Mendez was an assistant coach at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla. from 2015-18 where she oversaw catchers and assisted with outfield and base-running. She coached six All-MIAA Selections and one All-American during her time with the Riverhawks. Mendez helped the program to three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Tournament appearances as well.

Mendez had her first head coaching experience at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa from 2013-15. She coached eight All-Iowa Community College Athletic Conference selections during her three seasons with Panthers.

Mendez has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa and her master's in Health and Kinesiology from Northeastern State. Her husband, Julian, is head football coach at William Woods University.