By: Trevor Jones 

The Mankato Habaneros are fired up to welcome back one of their most explosive offensive weapons Paige Zender out of {Iowa State}. After a dominant season at the plate in 2024, Zender returns as the reigning team leader in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. Her scorching .417 average, 15 home runs, and 60 RBIs not only powered the Habaneros’ lineup but set the tone for their season. With her powerful swing and clutch presence, Zender is poised to pick up right where she left off driving in runs and lighting up the scoreboard. 

I had the honor of speaking with Zender about her development during her second season at Iowa State. She shared that entering her sophomore year, she feels much more comfortable and has a stronger grasp of the pace of college play. Competing in the Big 12, one of the premier conferences in college softball has pushed her to grow. Zender credited her coaches for preparing the Cyclones for big moments and for helping each player refine and build on their individual strengths. 

Zender is no stranger to the spotlight, and as a returning Habanero, I asked her how she plans to handle the pressure of being a defending champion. Her response was confident and composed: “Pressure is a privilege.” She reflected on her high school days, where she helped lead Rosemount to a State Championship in 2021. In that title game, with her team trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning and a runner on base, Zender stepped to the plate in a high-pressure moment — one she was all too familiar with. Just two years earlier, she launched a fifth-inning grand slam that sealed Rosemount’s championship win over Forest Lake. With a track record of rising to the occasion, Zender’s poise under pressure continues to be one of her greatest strengths. 

Zender emphasized her excitement about becoming a more complete, all-around player, particularly focusing on improving her defense. She also expressed the importance of maintaining joy in the game, noting that it’s easy for players, especially at the collegiate level, to get caught up in the pressure of chasing big goals. “Sometimes you forget to just relax and enjoy it,” she said, reflecting on how crucial it is to balance competitiveness with having fun on the field.  

Come see Paige Zender and the Habaneros play at ISG Field for the season kickoff on June 12th as the Habaneros faceoff against the Minot Honeybees at 6:35pm. 

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Leveraging the 31-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League in the Upper Midwest entering its second season in the summer of 2025.  The purpose of the League is to provide an opportunity for players to develop 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. League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, Women’s Sports Network, and the Northwoods League Network.