Head coach Trisha Ford adds one of the nation's fastest-rising pitching coaches after Alex Ibarra helped lead Team USA to World Games gold and captured the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League championship.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas | Texas A&M softball continues to strengthen one of the nation's premier programs as head coach Trisha Ford announced the hiring of Alex Ibarra as the Aggies' newest assistant coach, bringing an emerging pitching specialist with championship experience at every level of the sport to Aggieland.
The addition comes after Ibarra helped guide USA Softball to a gold medal at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, while also serving as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bandits, who compete in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL).
Widely regarded as one of collegiate softball's brightest young pitching minds, Ibarra arrives in College Station with an impressive résumé that spans international competition, professional softball, NCAA coaching, and USA Softball.
Ford Praises Ibarra's Championship Pedigree
Texas A&M head coach Trisha Ford said Ibarra's combination of technical expertise and leadership made him an ideal fit for the Aggies' championship aspirations.
"Alex Ibarra is one of the brightest young minds in our game," Ford said. "He combines elite pitching knowledge with an outstanding ability to connect with student-athletes. His energy, work ethic and passion for player development make him an outstanding addition to Texas A&M."
Ford highlighted Ibarra's experience across multiple levels of the sport, including his work with USA Softball's men's and women's national teams and Athletes Unlimited Softball League franchises.
"I'm excited he's joining our staff and can't wait for him to get in the bullpen," Ford added.
USA Softball Success
Since joining USA Softball in 2021, Ibarra has contributed to several international competitions, including:
- WBSC Championships
- Canada Cup
- Pan American Games
- World Games
His most recent accomplishment came in 2025, when Team USA posted a perfect 5-0 record to capture the gold medal at the World Games in Chengdu, China.
As a player, Ibarra has also represented the United States internationally, earning two gold medals with the USA Men's National Softball Team, including a Pan American Games championship in 2023.
Professional Experience Continues to Grow
Ibarra remains active in professional softball.
Earlier this season, he helped lead the Utah Talons to the inaugural AUSL championship, further cementing his reputation as one of softball's top young coaches.
Success at Appalachian State
Before joining Texas A&M, Ibarra spent the past two seasons as pitching coach at Appalachian State, where he helped transform the Mountaineers' pitching staff.
During his tenure:
- Five players earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors.
- Appalachian State produced its first All-Sun Belt pitcher in more than five years.
- The pitching staff made significant strides in conference competition.
His ability to develop pitchers quickly has become one of the defining characteristics of his coaching career.
LSU Foundation
A 2024 LSU graduate, Ibarra spent four seasons as a student manager under the Tigers' nationally respected softball program.
During that stretch, LSU compiled:
- 155 victories
- Four NCAA Regional appearances
- Two NCAA Super Regional appearances
- One of the SEC's most productive offenses
Serving as LSU's primary batting practice thrower, Ibarra helped prepare hitters on a team that produced a .290 batting average and collected 464 hits during the 2024 season, ranking third in the Southeastern Conference.
His coaching journey began at UT Arlington, where he served as a student manager during the Mavericks' 2019 National Softball Invitational Championship season.
Returning Home to Texas
A native of Cedar Hill, Texas, Ibarra described the opportunity to join Texas A&M as a homecoming.
"I am honored to join Coach Ford's staff and become part of a program with such a proud tradition and bright future," Ibarra said. "The passion, commitment and culture surrounding this program are truly special, and I am excited to work with our student-athletes every day as we pursue championships and continue building something great. I'm glad to be coming home."
Aggies Continue Building SEC Contender
The hiring reflects Texas A&M's continued investment in building a championship-caliber softball program capable of competing for SEC titles and returning to the Women's College World Series.
As college softball continues to grow nationally, Texas A&M's latest coaching addition reinforces the program's commitment to remaining among the sport's elite.
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-- By Leticia Jacobs
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