2024 Mankato Softball Coaching Staff

Coley Ries Welter: Coach

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Currently: Head Coach Gustavus Adolphus Softball

College: Minnesota State University- Mankato

Coley Ries Welter was named the first coach in Mankato Softball history.  Currently Ries Welter is the Head Coach of Gustavus Softball entering her fourth season. Ries Welter, helped build the program up leading them to their first playoff win since 2015 and first time hosting a playoff game in organizations history.

Previous to taking the position at Gustavus, Ries Welter spent three years as a volunteer and graduate assistant coach at her alma mater, Minnesota State University-Mankato. During this time, Ries Welter served as the primary pitching coach for the Mavericks, helping the team achieve an overall record of 89-41. While on the Mavericks’ coaching staff, Ries Welter operated the team’s social media accounts, organized fundraisers, and compiled scouting reports on opposing teams.

Ries Welter, a 2017 graduate of MSU-Mankato, was a standout pitcher for the Mavericks, compiling a wealth of achievements as a player. As the ace of the pitching staff, Ries Welter led the Mavericks to the 2017 NCAA Division II national championship where she posted a 41-3 overall record with a 1.05 ERA while striking out 476 batters in 294.2 innings. After going 5-0 at the national tournament with a 1.20 ERA and 50 strikeouts, Ries Welter earned Most Outstanding Player honors. She was named the 2017 NFCA Division II Player of the Year and the D2CCA Pitcher of the Year. Ries Welter also earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, was a two-time All-American, two-time Central Region Pitcher of the Year, and three-time NSIC Pitcher of the Year. Since graduating in 2017, Ries Welter has played professional softball for the Texas Charge, Chicago Bandits, and the Aussie Spirit.