DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Softball Adds Transfer Pitcher Caprice Barela
6/29/2026 3:32:00 PM | SOFTBALL
Right-hander lands in Chicago after two seasons at New Mexico
CHICAGO -- DePaul softball head coach Liz Bouck-Jagielski has announced the addition of Caprice Barela, a pitcher who lands in Chicago from the University of New Mexico. A native of Las Cruces, N.M., Barela brings two seasons of collegiate experience to the Blue Demons.
"Caprice is the type of dynamic pitcher who can change the course of a game," said Bouck-Jagielski. "Her competitive mindset, experience, and relentless work ethic make her a tremendous addition to our staff. She chose DePaul because she wants to help build something special and make a statement, and that speaks volumes about the kind of competitor and teammate she is. We're excited to welcome her to our program as we pursue a BIG EAST Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth."
Barela appeared in 27 games for the Lobos over two seasons, logging 46.2 combined innings. As a freshman in 2025, she appeared in 16 games with one start, throwing 25.0 innings and posting 19 strikeouts. She combined with a teammate to throw a shutout against Saint Joseph's on March 8 and delivered 4.1 hitless innings at New Mexico State on March 11 with three strikeouts.
As a sophomore in 2026, she went 2-3 in 11 appearances with five starts, throwing 21.2 innings and striking out 13 batters. Her first win of the season came Feb. 14 against Northwestern State, and she struck out a season-high four batters against Abilene Christian.
Before arriving at New Mexico, Barela was a decorated prep standout at Centennial High School in Las Cruces, N.M. She was a two-time 5A district champion, a 5A state runner-up in 2022 and a 5A state champion in 2024. Barela earned 5A all-state pitcher honors in 2023 and was a three-time all-district selection.
Barela will major in business administration in DePaul's Driehaus College of Business.
