Alvarez signs on for Season 2 after leading the Spitfires to a third-place finish and earning the opportunity to coach the West Division All-Stars

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Following a successful inaugural season that established the Grand Forks Spitfires as an immediate contender in Northwoods League Softball, the organization is proud to announce that Aaron Alvarez will return as head coach for the 2027 season.

Alvarez led the Spitfires throughout their historic first season in 2026, guiding a newly assembled roster to a third-place finish in the six-team Northwoods League Softball standings. His return provides the organization with valuable continuity as the Spitfires prepare to build upon the competitive foundation established during Season 1.

“Aaron played an essential role in establishing who we are as a team and what we expect from our program,” said Spitfires General Manager Roberto Lemus. “Starting a franchise comes with challenges that an established team does not have to face, but Aaron embraced every part of that process. He brought players from different schools and backgrounds together, created a competitive culture and showed that the Spitfires could compete with the best teams in the league from the very beginning.”

“I want to thank Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak for working with me to make my return possible,” Alvarez said. “I also want to thank the Spitfires front office staff and the Grand Forks community for the incredible support that motivated me to return for the 2027 season. You have all truly made me feel like a big-league manager, and I look forward to being part of the Spitfires again.”

The team’s success was recognized across Northwoods League Softball during the 2026 All-Star festivities. Alvarez was chosen to lead the West Team All-Stars. Five Spitfires players earned spots on the West Division roster, including Ally Hetzel, Taylor Larson, Alex Graham, Emma Peeples and Mattison Kwarta. Kwarta added another milestone to the team’s inaugural season by winning the 2026 Northwoods League Softball Home Run Challenge.

“Being selected to lead the West Team at the All-Stars was an incredible recognition of what Aaron and the team accomplished,” Lemus said. “It was not only an honor for Aaron, but a reflection of the work put in by our entire coaching staff and roster. Having five players represent Grand Forks in the All-Star Game and watching Matti win the Home Run Challenge showed the level of talent Aaron helped bring together and develop during our first season.”

Building a Competitive Foundation in Grand Forks

Alvarez was originally named the first head coach in Spitfires history ahead of the 2026 season. He was tasked with leading a roster of collegiate athletes from programs across the country while helping create the identity, standards and culture of a brand-new organization. Throughout the summer, Alvarez demonstrated an ability to connect with players, adapt to a demanding schedule and keep the team competitive. His leadership helped the Spitfires establish themselves on the field while representing Grand Forks throughout the league.

Alvarez’s return also reinforces the Spitfires’ commitment to building lasting relationships between the team, its players and the Grand Forks community. During the inaugural season, Spitfires players participated in community appearances, youth engagement opportunities, nonprofit initiatives and special events throughout the area.

“Our fans saw Aaron’s passion and competitiveness in the dugout, but our organization also saw the work he put in behind the scenes,” Lemus added. “He helped our players understand what it meant to represent the Spitfires and the Grand Forks community. We are excited to have him return and continue building something our fans can be proud of.”

Looking Ahead to Season 2

With Alvarez officially returning, the Spitfires will enter the 2027 season with greater familiarity, elevated expectations and a clear understanding of what it takes to compete in Northwoods League Softball.

Season 1 introduced the Spitfires to Grand Forks. Season 2 will focus on building upon that foundation and taking the next step as a program.

“We will have a special group of players returning, along with talented additions joining our roster,” Alvarez said. “I am excited to see what we can accomplish together and make it another memorable summer in Grand Forks.”

“Finishing third during our first season was an accomplishment, but Aaron and our organization are not satisfied with stopping there,” Lemus said. “We believe in what he is building, we believe in the culture he has created and we believe the future of Spitfires softball is incredibly bright. Our goal is to continue improving, compete for a championship and give Grand Forks a team it is proud to support.”

Additional announcements regarding the 2027 Spitfires coaching staff and roster will be released in the coming months. Fans can learn more about the Grand Forks Spitfires and explore ticket options for the 2027 season by visiting SpitfiresSoftball.com or calling 701-757-0596.