Just as the year is about to change, major developments are happening within the Habaneros organization. After a successful 31-11 season, Coach Coley Ries Welter has decided to take a step back to spend the summer with her growing family, as she and her husband recently welcomed their first child into the world. This left the position to lead the defending champion Habaneros open, with hopes of going back-to-back in the league’s first two seasons.
The position wasn’t vacant for long, as Justine Schultz stepped up to fill the role. Justine brings a familiar voice to the organization, having served as the Habaneros assistant coach last year. She has also been Coley’s assistant coach at Gustavus Adolphus College for the past two seasons and will continue in that role for the 2025 season. This is not Justine’s only position in the coaching industry; she is also a Mental Performance Coach for the Mentally Strong Institute. Through this role, Justine helps athletes achieve success not only on the field but also in their day-to-day lives, guiding them to become more confident, disciplined, and resilient.
“I am pumped to take on this opportunity with the Mankato Habaneros, and am excited to build on the success we achieved last season in capturing the first-ever Northwoods Softball League championship! Mankato is a great community with a passion for women’s sports, and I am eager to see how the community continues to rally behind our organization. With the support of our front office, game-day staff, and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, I am confident that this will be another unforgettable summer of elite softball featuring elite athletes. I look forward to coaching and taking the field with a group of powerful women who will continue to grow the game, grow as athletes, and grow as people,” said Schultz.
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Leveraging the 30-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) will be the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League beginning play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024. The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play. Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.
