Mankato Habaneros Name New Head Coach for 2026 Season

Jackie Barley to become the 3^rd Head Coach in Habaneros History

MANKATO, MN. – The Mankato Habaneros are excited to announce Jackie Barley, as the new Head Coach of the Mankato Habaneros for the 2026 Season.

Barley, currently in her first year as an assistant coach at Indiana University – Indianapolis, has a vast array of coaching spanning over 11 years including stops at the Division 2, NAIA, and Division 3 levels. Barley, also played college softball at the Division 1 Level, signing with the University of Michigan, however due to injury, she ended up transferring to Central Michigan University, and finished her playing career at Madonna University.

Barley has also been instrumental in the development of two Conference Player of the Year selections, a Freshman of the Year, a Pitcher of the Year, a Regional Player of the Year, a first team All-American, eight All-Region award winners, NFCA Top 15 National Player of the Year finalist and 25 combined conference (GMAC/GLIAC) award winners throughout her time in coaching.

Barley noted her excitement in joining the Habaneros, “I am thrilled to join both the Habaneros community and the Northwoods League as an ambassador for our sport. This is an exciting time for the game, and it is an honor to contribute to providing a top-tier experience for student athletes.”

Barley and the Habaneros will take the field in June 2026 for their 3^rd Season. The 2026 Schedule will be released at a later time.

Season Tickets are now available for the 2026 Season and for more information regarding the 2026 Season please visit mankatohabaneros.com or call 507-304-7333. The Mankato Habaneros office is located at 1219 ½ Caledonia St. with the office hours being Monday through Friday 9 – 5.

####

Leveraging the 32-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 that began 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.