COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of Colorado Colorado Springs Executive Director of Athletics Nathan Gibson announced on Wednesday the hiring of Rachel Quintero as the eighth head coach of the Mountain Lion softball program.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel Quintero to UCCS as our next Head Softball Coach," exclaimed Gibson. "What impressed me most throughout the process was Rachel's extensive head coaching experience at the NCAA Division II level, coupled with her clear sense of purpose and identity as both a coach and a person. She is a proven winner and culture builder who understands that athletics is one of the most powerful vehicles for developing young people. Her commitment to relationships, player development, and creating a positive student-athlete experience aligns perfectly with our values at UCCS. I would also like to thank Associate Athletic Director Alex Koehler and the entire search committee for their outstanding work and dedication throughout this efficient and successful search process."

Quintero joins the Mountain Lion family after spending the past four seasons at the NAIA level as the head softball coach at Benedictine University Mesa in Mesa, Ariz. During her time at the helm of the Redhawks' softball program, Quintero compiled a 65-105 overall record, including a 23-23 mark during the 2026 campaign. In addition to her work on the diamond, Quintero oversaw all aspects of the softball program, including recruiting, team travel, budgeting, fundraising, and the academic development of her student-athletes.

"We're really excited to welcome Rachel Quintero to our department and have her take the lead of our softball program," said Associate Athletic Director and chair of the hiring committee Alex Koehler. "Rachel brings a lot of coaching experience and a great understanding of what it takes to be successful at the Division II level. Her experience and passion for softball will be a great addition to our department. We're thrilled to have her here and can't wait to see what she'll accomplish with our student-athletes. We're looking forward to this next chapter of our softball program with Rachel leading the way."
 
Prior to taking over the head job at Benedictine, Quintero gained extensive coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, including stops at California State University East Bay (2014-15, 2021-23), Academy of Art University (2008-12), and University of California Davis (2004-08). Most notably, Quintero served as the first head coach in the history of Academy of Art softball, building the Urban Knights' NCAA Division II program from the ground up and leading the team to back-to-back 29-win seasons in 2010 and 2011.  
 
"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to accept the opportunity to become the Head Softball Coach at UCCS," stated Quintero. "This is a special opportunity for me and my family, and I'm excited to build something great with our student-athletes, staff, and community. I can't wait to get started. Go Mountain Lions!"
 
Before starting her coaching career at UC Davis, Quintero put together a decorated collegiate playing career at West Valley College and Santa Clara University. Quintero spent one season at West Valley and collected All-America, All-State, and All-Conference accolades as a catcher before transferring to Santa Clara for the 2002 season. In three years with the Broncos, she helped the program record a pair of 30-win seasons and earned All-Pacific Coast Softball Conference honors during her senior season. Following the conclusion of her collegiate career, Quintero was selected to the Israeli National Softball Team and assisted with the country's Junior National Team.
 
Quintero will begin her position as the Mountain Lions' head softball coach on September 1.
 
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