With Padilla serving on the Aztecs’ staff, San Diego State has garnered 32 MPSF all-academic honors and 15 all-conference selections.

In her role, Padilla works primarily with the Aztec attack and draw takers. Her work has proved vital to the Aztecs' success, who posted a program-best 9-8 mark in 2015, appearing in their second-straight MPSF Tournament. Under her tutelage, Christina Ricciardulli earned all-MPSF first team honors, the first in program history, after finishing ninth among MPSF competitors during the regular season with 2.06 goals per game and second with 0.94 free position goals per game. Michaela Jarvis, who led SDSU with 21 assists, picked up all-MPSF second team accolades.

Jarvis and Ricciardulli also picked up all-MPSF second team honors in 2014, thanks to Padilla’s leadership. Jarvis led SDSU with 39 points on 19 goals and 20 assists during the 2014 campaign, while Ricciardulli led the team with 54 draw controls, was second on the team with 28 goals and was third with 32 points.

"It's great to be back in my hometown of San Diego," Padilla said. "I am excited for the opportunity to use my past coaching and playing experience to help guide SDSU as it develops into a powerhouse in the West."

A four-year letterwinner at the University of Maryland, Padilla started at midfielder and helped lead the Terps to the 2010 National Championship as well as three straight ACC titles (2009-11). The native of Poway, Calif., was also named to the 2011 NCAA All-Tournament Team along with garnering all-ACC honors and being named an IWLCA All-American in 2009.

Padilla was instrumental in Maryland's championship run in 2010, tallying 22 goals and 13 assists as one of the top scoring threats for the Terps. In the national championship game, Padilla scored twice and handed out an assist in Maryland's win against Northwestern. Also of note, her sister Brittany was on the team when Padilla played for the Terps.

Prior to Maryland, Padilla was a four-sport star at Poway High School in lacrosse, volleyball, basketball and track and field. In lacrosse, she earned all-CIF honors on three occasions and was named CIF Player of the Year twice. Padilla was also a two-time US Lacrosse All-American and she was tabbed an Under Armour All-American in 2007.