Highlanders Add Transfer Gabriela Pimentel
5/29/2026 10:20:00 AM | Women's Tennis
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside's Director of Tennis, Mattias Johansson, announced the signing of women's tennis transfer Gabriela Pimentel. She is from Lima, Peru.
"Gabriela is a fantastic addition to our women's program - she has a great track record and the capacity to win over very highly rated opponents," said Johansson. "We very much look forward for her arrival."
Prior to her signing with the Highlanders, Pimentel played one year at Maryland. During her time with the Terps, she played in two matches and earned her first college win against Howard. She battled back to win in three sets: 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-7).
She played in many junior tournaments, her UTR Rating reached 9.41 and she achieved a career-high ITF Junior Ranking of 156. She attributed experiences playing in the J300s and J500s as preparation for college tennis.
Pimentel represented her native Peru in the 2025 Pan-American Games and won her first-round match, 2-0.
"It was really inspiring to be around athletes from so many different countries and sports," she said. "Being able to represent Peru is always something I am very proud of."
For international students finding a place that feels like home is important and through the transfer process she said UCR gave her that feeling. While there were other schools she considered, UCR felt like the best fit academically and athletically.
"I am really excited for this next chapter, very grateful for the opportunity, and happy to be part of the Highlander family," added Pimentel. "I can't wait to get to campus, meet everyone, and get started."
Â
"Gabriela is a fantastic addition to our women's program - she has a great track record and the capacity to win over very highly rated opponents," said Johansson. "We very much look forward for her arrival."
Prior to her signing with the Highlanders, Pimentel played one year at Maryland. During her time with the Terps, she played in two matches and earned her first college win against Howard. She battled back to win in three sets: 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-7).
She played in many junior tournaments, her UTR Rating reached 9.41 and she achieved a career-high ITF Junior Ranking of 156. She attributed experiences playing in the J300s and J500s as preparation for college tennis.
Pimentel represented her native Peru in the 2025 Pan-American Games and won her first-round match, 2-0.
"It was really inspiring to be around athletes from so many different countries and sports," she said. "Being able to represent Peru is always something I am very proud of."
For international students finding a place that feels like home is important and through the transfer process she said UCR gave her that feeling. While there were other schools she considered, UCR felt like the best fit academically and athletically.
"I am really excited for this next chapter, very grateful for the opportunity, and happy to be part of the Highlander family," added Pimentel. "I can't wait to get to campus, meet everyone, and get started."
Â
Highlander Hot Talk Podcast - Spring Sports Recap 5/21/2026
Thursday, May 21
Day in the Life: Leilani Juan
Monday, May 04
UCR Student-Athletes cheer on our students.
Friday, May 01
UCR Athletics Director Introductory Full Press Conference
Tuesday, March 24
