Starkville, Miss. — Alyssa Loza, a former Mississippi State pitcher and current coordinator of player development, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Spark in the American United Softball League. Loza will serve on the coaching staff this summer while continuing her role with the Bulldogs, returning to Starkville in the fall, according to team sources.
This marks Loza’s third summer at the professional level. She previously worked as a batting practice pitcher for Athletes Unlimited during the 2024 championship season and the 2025 All-Star Cup in Rosemont, Illinois. It also represents her first coaching position at the professional level, after several years working within Mississippi State’s softball program.
Loza spent three years as a student-athlete at MSU before serving three seasons as a graduate assistant. She was later promoted to a full-time role as the Bulldogs’ coordinator of player development, helping the team reach its first Women’s College World Series in program history following the 2024 season.
During her playing career, Loza made more than 50 appearances in the circle and earned a nickname, “Loza the Closa,” for her performance in her final season. She recorded six saves, ranking third nationally, and posted a 2.37 ERA in May of her fifth year. She struck out 44 batters in 54 innings that year.
The Oklahoma City Spark are an expansion franchise in the AUSL this season, led by head coach Amber Flores. Peja Goold, a fellow former Bulldog, also signed with the team as a rookie. The Spark will open their season June 9 at home against the Texas Volts.
