By: Trevor Jones
Returning for another standout season with the defending champion Mankato Habaneros is Brooke Holmes! Hailing from Savage, Minnesota, Brooke brings both power and consistency to the lineup. She currently attends {St. Cloud State University}, where she’s putting together an impressive season boasting a .414 batting average and racking up 77 hits so far. A key contributor to last year’s title run, Brooke’s experience and competitive drive make her a force on the field and a leader in the dugout. Get ready, because Brooke is back and ready to help the Habaneros chase another championship!
Holmes has put together a standout season for the Huskies, leading the team in home runs with 12. She also tops the roster in RBIs, driving in an impressive 51 runs. Her power at the plate is undeniable, and it’s clear she’s earned it through hard work. One of the most remarkable stats in her season is just 8 strikeouts in 186 at-bats—an elite ratio that any coach would value. Adding to her strong numbers, Holmes boasts a 1.159 OPS, which is nearly double the national average of .810.
I asked Holmes how St. Cloud was helping her develop and what she was gaining from being a Husky. She shared that she’s learned more than she ever imagined. Holmes noted that the coaching staff places a strong emphasis on having an approach at the plate and a clear plan every time you step in to hit. She emphasized that mentality is just as important as the mechanical side of the game. Each year, she’s seen noticeable growth in her development and her stats clearly reflect that progress.
With summer quickly approaching, I asked Holmes what she’s most excited about for the upcoming season. She shared that she’s looking forward to returning to ISG Field and being back in that electric atmosphere. What excites her most, though, is reuniting with her former teammates from the Habaneros’ championship run last season.
A common question I like to ask returning players is how they handle being a defending champion—what that pressure means to them and how they plan to manage it. Holmes pointed out that even last year, before winning the title, they were already the team everyone wanted to beat. Her mindset is to not let the moment become too big, because at the end of the day, it’s still the game you love to play.
Come see Brooke Holmes 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.
###
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.
