News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs have announced the signing of former Iowa Hawkeyes catcher Desiree Rivera for the upcoming softball season. Rivera, known for her strong defensive skills and impressive batting record, is set to enhance the Bulldogs’ lineup as they prepare for challenges in the Southeastern Conference. With a solid collegiate career behind her, including leading the Big Ten in putouts, Rivera’s experience is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Coach Samantha Ricketts anticipates that Rivera will play a pivotal role this season.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State Bulldogs have officially announced the signing of former Iowa Hawkeyes catcher Desiree Rivera for the upcoming softball season. The announcement was made on April 30, 2025, as Mississippi State intensifies its recruitment efforts ahead of the new season.
Rivera, who demonstrated significant prowess on the field during her collegiate career, is set to bring her impressive skills to Starkville for her final season of eligibility. Recognized for her defensive capabilities, she led the Big Ten Conference in 2025 by catching 15 runners attempting to steal bases. In her final season with Iowa, she started in all but one game, showcasing her reliability and consistency as an athlete.
Throughout the 2025 season, Rivera accumulated a remarkable total of 230 putouts, leading her team in this category with an impressive 0.971 fielding percentage. This track record reflects her skill as a smooth defensive catcher, a quality that Mississippi State’s coaching staff anticipates will transition well into the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Offensively, Rivera made her mark at the plate, posting a batting average of 0.290. She achieved this with 40 hits, along with contributing 22 RBIs, nine doubles, and two home runs throughout the season. Her multifaceted skill set makes her a valuable addition to the Bulldogs as they look to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming year.
Before her time at Iowa, Rivera played for two seasons at Oregon State. Over her collegiate career, she has participated in more than 130 games, accumulating a wealth of experience that will serve her well as she takes the field for Mississippi State. Head Coach Samantha Ricketts expressed confidence in Rivera’s abilities, anticipating that her extensive play will greatly benefit the team.
As Mississippi State aims to enhance its performance in the SEC, signing a player of Rivera’s caliber could potentially impact their season positively. With strong defensive skills and a commendable offensive record, Rivera’s addition is seen as a strategic move to improve the overall competitiveness of the Bulldogs.
Rivera will now focus on her final season with Mississippi State, where her contributions will be closely watched by supporters and analysts alike. The Bulldogs are looking forward to what they hope will be a transformative year on the diamond, with Rivera playing a pivotal role in their campaign.
This signing is part of an ongoing effort by the Bulldogs to recruit talented players who can significantly contribute to the team’s success. As Mississippi State prepares for the challenges ahead in the aggressive landscape of collegiate softball, Rivera’s experience, along with her proven track record, positions her to make a lasting impact in Starkville.
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Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports: No. 17 Softball Wraps Up Regular Season at No. 18 Mississippi State
- Google Search: Desiree Rivera Mississippi State softball
- Sports Illustrated: Former Big Ten Catcher Commits to Mississippi State Softball
- Wikipedia: Softball
- Hail State: Goold, Malau, Ulu, Shaw to Play with National Teams This Summer
- Google Scholar: College Softball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
