Bulldogs Add Another Backstop In Rivera

STARKVILLE – One of the Big Ten's top catchers this spring is now heading to Starkville. Former Iowa backstop Des Rivera, who led the Big Ten with 15 runners caught stealing in 2025, has signed with Mississippi State.

Rivera started all but one game at catcher this past season for the Hawkeyes. In addition to her defensive work behind the plate, she hit .290, which ranked fifth on the team and was third on the squad in doubles (9), hits (40) and total bases (55). Her 2025 campaign ended and her 2026 season will begin on an active 16-game reached-base streak.

"Des brings more experience to the catching position with over 130 games played in her career," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "She is a smooth defensive catcher with a big arm that will translate well to the SEC. We are excited to have her spend her last season in Starkville."

The 2025 season produces an offensive surge for Rivera. She nearly matched her career total in hits in that season alone and collected more RBIs, extra-base hits and walks than her prior two seasons combined.

Rivera redshirted the 2024 campaign and spent 2022-23 at Oregon State. She played in 82 games for the Beavers, making 77 starts. As a sophomore, she was third on the team with a .302 batting average.

For her career, the Rescue, California, native has caught 34 runners stealing, which amounts to nearly 30 percent of runners attempting to swipe a bag on her. She boasts a .990 career fielding percentage on more than 800 career chances.

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Bulldogs Add Another Backstop In Rivera

Players Mentioned

Des Rivera

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