Hope International named Gabriela Sandoval as the 11th head coach in the history of the school's softball program, announced Director of Athletics Chris Morrison.

Sandoval joins the Royals after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at Vanguard, where she helped guide the Lions to two second place finishes in the Golden State Athletic Conference, back-to-back GSAC Tournament championships, and two appearances in the NAIA National Tournament.

She primarily oversaw the pitchers and catchers at Vanguard. In 2024, the Lions finished second in the GSAC with a 2.23 team ERA.

"We are pleased to welcome Gabriela Sandoval to Royals Nation to continue the success of our nationally ranked softball program," said Morrison. "She has demonstrated ability in connecting with her players and getting the most out of them both on and off the softball field."

Sandoval was a decorated player at Southern Oregon, helping lead the Raiders to two NAIA National Championships. In 2019, she was named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year. In addition, she won a Gold Glove award, was selected to the All-Cascade Collegiate Conference First Team three times and was tabbed CCC Pitcher of the Year twice. The graduate of Mater Dei High School also garnered NAIA and NFCA All-American laurels on two occasions.

"I am very familiar with the quality of the Hope International program and the level of success it has exhibited over the years," said Sandoval. "I look forward to building upon the foundation and making this a place where these women thrive athletically and academically, and become well-rounded people. I am excited to get to work."

In addition to her experience as a player on the field and a coach in the dugout, Sandoval spent time working as a physical therapy intern in Oregon and coached at the Skyhawks Sports Academy in Costa Mesa.

She replaces Alex Mascarenas, who led the program for three seasons.