STARKVILLE — Mississippi State softball head coach Samantha Ricketts added two more impressive players through the transfer portal last week, adding catcher Desiree Rivera from Iowa and outfielder Tatum Silva from Utah State.
Rivera was one of the best at her position in the Big Ten last season, leading the conference with 15 runners caught stealing and producing at a high level on offense with 40 hits and nine doubles.
Rivera will begin 2026 with an active 16-game on-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.”
Rivera transferred to Iowa in 2024 after spending her first two seasons at Oregon State, playing in 82 games with 77 starts. She started all but one game for the Hawkeyes in 2025.
Like Rivera, Silva arrives in Starkville after a standout season for the Aggies. She started 49 games and recorded a .390 batting average with 53 hits and 28 RBI. She earned First Team All-Mountain West honors for her performances.
Rivera and Silva join a class of six Bulldog arrivals through the portal so far in 2025.
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