Coaches
- Head Coach at Eden Prairie High School since 2002
- Led the team to 5 state tournament appearances
- 2002 State Champion and 2005 3rd-place finisher
- 4-time National Championship Coach
- Men’s National Champion as both a player and coach
Caitlyn Goggin
18U Assistant Coach - Rubischko
618-541-8280
- Played NAIA Softball with Penn State - Schuylkill from 2019 to 2023.
- Named All-Conference Outfielder in 2023.
- Began Coaching in 2021 and has been with the Elite program since 2024.
- Assistant Coach at St. Louis Park High School.
Courtney Smith
18U Assistant Coach - Rubischko
Brett Smith
18U Assistant Coach - Rubischko
- 17 years of coaching experience
- Coaching background includes Rosemount Fastpitch, 4 years with MN Stars, and 6 years coaching 18U with MN Ice/Apex
- Committed to creating a positive, supportive team culture
- Teaches athletes to embrace failure, learn from mistakes, and grow
- First year with MN Elite, excited to contribute to the program and develop its athletes
Tom Cross
18U Head Coach
651-402-6297
- Head softball coach at Concordia St. Paul 15 yr. - Numerous conference and regional championships Concordia St. Paul
- Head Football coach 11 yr Concordia St Paul.
- Participated in the 1987 College Softball World Series while at Concordia St. Paul.
- Macalister College Head Softball Coach 8 yrs and Assistant for 2 year. 1 year included #1 GPA in the country in D111
- Head coach at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) includes 12 years of Region Championship, runner up, and several playoff appearances.
- Coached at College and High School level of football, Girls basketball and Womens Fastpitch Softball for the past 46 years.
- As a player, Cross has football, baseball, and fastpitch softball.
- Started coaching with MN Elite since 2024
- 18 years of coaching experience across multiple youth sports
- MN Elite Coaching Staff since 2024
- Richfield High School Winter Softball DomeBall Coach for 3 years
- Holy Angels DomeBall Coach (2015–2018)
- Richfield Fastpitch Association
- Coach and board member for 5 years
- Bloomington Fastpitch Association coach
- Serves on the Richfield High School Softball Board
- Member of the Richfield High School Volleyball Boosters
- Founded #ForTheGirls Athletics, a family-led nonprofit
- Passionate about helping players sharpen their softball skills, build confidence, and become stronger individuals on and off the field
- Played for Byron High School, All-Conference player.
- Played for MN A's, MN Elite, and MN Force.
- Assistant Coached 1 year with the MN Force.
- 6 years Assistant coach and Head coach with MN Elite.
- Mayo High School , Rochester Head Coach Junior Varsity 2026
- 4 year starter at St. Mary's University in Winona under Coach John Tschida.
- 2002, 2003, 2004 collegiately competed at Saint Mary's University in Winona, NSIC Conference playoffs.
- All MIAC, Honorable MIAC
- 2025 NCAA World Series, finished 7th in country.
- My goal/vision is to teach players how not only to be great athletes, but also great people.
- Private lesson instructor - hitting/catching
Rachel Ekholm
18U Assistant Coach - Nordlund
- 10+ years of softball and baseball coaching experience
- 7 years coaching JV and Varsity at north metro high schools
- 3 years of club coaching experience
- Focuses on player development, coachability, respect, consistency, effort, and attitude
- Passionate about providing strong female role models in sports
- Dedicated to helping athletes love the game, build confidence, develop resilience, and become respectful individuals on and off the field
Amanda Crusan
14U Assistant Coach - Kell
- Returning Minnesota Elite coach with 12 years of softball experience
- 3 years of coaching experience within Minnesota Elite; entering 2nd year with Coach Kate Kell
- Focuses on fundamentals, confidence, accountability, and strong relationships
- Creates a positive environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and held to high standards
- Develops confident, competitive players who genuinely enjoy the game
- Passionate about helping young women build self-belief, confidence, and resilience
- Goal is to help athletes grow both on and off the softball field
Chad Creager
15U Head Coach
612-875-0240
- 25+ years of experience in youth coaching and player development
- Leadership experience across associations, clubs, and high school programs
- Guided a high school team to a State Championship
- Won a USSSA Midwest National Championship
- Started coaching for MN Elite 2025
Cierra Creager
15U Assistant Coach - Creager
- Coaching since 2024; joined MN Elite in early 2026
- Promotes effort, positivity, and confidence
- Brings 10+ years of playing experience and knowledge to developing young athletes
- Focuses on improving game IQ, fundamentals, and overall skills
- Passionate about helping players build a lasting love for the game
Chris Gabler
16U Co-Head Coach
612-875-5063
- 28 years of Fastpitch Softball coaching experience
- Entering 5th year with Minnesota Elite
- Head Varsity Coach at St. Louis Park High School since 2020
- Helped set program win records over the past 3 seasons
- Strong advocate for multi-sport athletes and overall athletic development
- Focuses on teaching athletes to play the game the right way and compete with confidence
- Committed to developing both skilled players and strong individuals
Scott Christopherson
15U Assistant Coach - VASC
Clayton Beaurline
Co-Head Coach - 14U Bond/Beaurline
Alyia Passmore
Head Coach - 14U Passmore
Kendall Hafermann
Assistant Coach - 14U Passmore
- 25 years of coaching experience across youth and high school softball, working with athletes from 8U through 18U
- Head Coach, Elk River High School (2002–2017)
- Led the program to 3 state tournament appearances
- Won state championships in 2009 and 2013
- 26th year teaching Physical Education in Elk River
- Previously coached at Stillwater High School
- Helped the team win state championships in 1995 and 1996
- Collegiate player at St. Cloud State University (1996–2000)
- Assistant Coach at St. Cloud State University (2001)
- Served 8 years on the Waite Park Softball/Baseball Board
- Supported local youth sports development
- Contributed to organizational leadership and governance
Marc Jerzek
18U Assistant Coach - Sheetz, St. Cloud
- Marc Jerzak brings 25+ years of leadership and player-development experience in the Northwoods League and 8 years of girls softball coaching experience with athletes ages 8U–18U.
- 26th season in the Northwoods League
- 17th year as co-owner of the Willmar Stingers
- Helped launch the Grand Forks Spitfires in 2026, the league’s first softball franchise
- Experienced in recruiting, roster development, and player operations
- Graduate of St. John’s University (MN) with a degree in Business Management
- Former four-year collegiate football player
- Passionate about helping athletes build skills, confidence, character, and a love for the game
- Originally from Milaca, Minnesota and committed to helping MN Elite players reach their potential on and off the field
Jordan Mathiasen
14U Assistant Coach - U'Ren, St. Cloud
Darren Holst
16U Assistant Coach - Bjerkness, St. Cloud
Chad Rademacher
16/18U Head Coach - St. Cloud
Josh Ostrowski
16/18U Head Coach - Rademacher, St. Cloud
