Carmen Padilla enters her fifth season of work with Pacific in 2011-12, and her second season as the Tigers' assistant coach. She moved to the sidelines in 2007 as a volunteer assistant coach, after a stellar career on the field for the Tigers from 2003-06. Carmen will be involved with the development of the Tigers' newest players as she will focus on the adjustment of Pacific's freshmen to Division I soccer.

Padilla will bring her international experience with her to the sidelines as she has spent the last four years playing with the Mexican National team. As a Tiger, Carmen finished her four years at Pacific as a four-time All-Big West honoree and three-time first team member. Carmen scored 20 career goals over four seasons, placing her into a tie for No. 4 all-time on the Tigers' scoring list. In addition to her scoring, Carmen setup 14 scores for her teammates, tying her for No. 6 all-time in assists in program history. With 54 career points, Carmen finished her career at Pacific at No. 4 in the Tigers' record books.

Padilla graduated in May of 2007 with a degree in business from Pacific. Carmen and her husband Alex Barajas were married in October 2008. Their daughter, Alessandra Alycia Barajas, was born on Oct. 7, 2009.