ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington softball program has announced the addition of Caylynn "KK" Esparza as an assistant coach.
 
Esparza joins the program following a successful collegiate career at the University of Pittsburg, where she competed on Panthers' softball team from 2021-26. A team captain, she earned NFCA All-Region Second Team honors, along with ACC Graduate Scholar-Athlete recognition in 2026. She also earned All-ACC Academic Team honors in 2025 and 2024.
 
"We are incredibly excited to welcome KK to our coaching staff," Coach Dill said. "Her experience competing at the highest level gives her a unique perspective on the demands our student-athletes face every day. She understands how to embrace those challenges and grow through adversity."
 
"KK brings an incredible amount of energy and passion to our program. She has a genuine desire to invest in our athletes and help them reach their full potential, both as players and as people. We are excited to see the influence she will have on our athletes and our culture."
 
In addition to her collegiate playing experience, Esparza has served as a softball coach with Apex Fastpitch Organization in Houston since June 2022. The Houston, Texas native has also mentored and trained athletes ages 12-18, emphasizing skill, development, leadership, accountability and personal growth.
 
Esparza also brings experience in student-athlete advocacy and leadership. She served as a member of the ACC Softball Student-Athlete Advisory Group (SAAC), representing Pitt softball. She was also a member of SAAC at Pitt, collaborating with student-athletes and athletics staff to support student-athlete welfare, academic success and the overall student-athlete experience.
 
Esparza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2025 and a Master of Science in Marketing Science from Pitt's School of Business in April 2026.
 
"I'm so excited to join the staff at UTA and get to work. Getting to know the program and the coaching staff, I really felt like the culture and values were a great fit for me as a coach," said Esparza. "I'm really looking forward to bringing what I've learned from playing and coaching into this role and getting the chance to work with the team every day. I'm excited to help players continue to grow and see what we can accomplish together. Being able to do that back home in Texas makes it even more special. Go Mavericks!"
 
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