SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Head Softball Coach Jo Evans announced the final addition to the 2027 squad for the Gauchos. Joining the Blue and Gold is University of Utah transfer Rio Mendez.
 
"We are excited to welcome Rio Mendez to our Gauchos Softball Family," said Evans. "Her skillset fits perfectly with our immediate needs. She is a talented and versatile middle infielder who will bring speed to our offensive lineup. Her work ethic, talent, and love for the game allow her to make an immediate impact in our program."
 
The 5-foot 4-inch infielder will enter the season in junior standing. A graduate of Gahr High School she was named Rookie of the Year following her freshman season after batting .444 and having a perfect fielding percentage on defense. During her sophomore year, she was named First Team All-League, Clutch Player of the Year and named to the PGF All-American Watchlist. For the third consecutive season, Mendez earned another yearly award following her junior season, this time being named Defensive Player of the Year. She followed that up with her second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award during her senior season, along with being named First Team All-League and earning Gahr High School's Female Athlete of the Quarter award. She helped her team to a CIF Southern Section Championship as well.
 
Out of high school, the Lakewood, California native was named a Top 100 infielder by Extra Innings Softball and in 2023 ranked No. 72 among middle infielders nationally by Extra Innings as well. During her time at Utah, she appeared in 48 games, making four starts. In 2024 she represented Puerto Rico at the WBSC U-18 Pan American Games in Colombia. She helped the team win the Gold Medal while batting .500, earned her a selection to the All-Pan American Team.