The Interlake Maroons AA Softball Program is entering a new chapter as longtime leader Jeff Kisiloski steps aside and a new board prepares to guide the club’s next phase.
Momentum remains strong heading into 2025, with new off-season skill camps, expanded coaching support and greater outreach to players and families across the Interlake.
“We’ve got a strong base to build on, and the next step is continuing that player development piece while reaching more Interlake communities,” said new director Amanda Donovan. “We want to make the program visible, inclusive, and focused on growth from the youngest age groups up.”
Kisiloski, who served as AA director for the past two years after coaching at the U15 level, leaves the program on firm footing.
“When I started, there was only a U13 team. Two years later, we’ve had teams at U11, U13, U15 and U17 and built a real organizational culture,” he said. “We rolled out off-season development camps, secured tremendous community support through sponsorships, and created a strong base of coaches and team managers. It’s the right time to hand things over to new leadership that can keep advancing the program.”
Kisiloski also helped connect the Maroons with local AAA clubs, enabling nearly 20 AA players to move on to higher-level competition. The program’s Strike Out Cancer winter fundraiser generated more than $2,500 for CancerCare Manitoba, and players organized community food drives and youth clinics across the region.
“Seeing players smile, develop new skills and friendships, and move up to the next level — that’s what makes all the work worthwhile,” said Kisiloski. “The AA Maroons have built something truly special.”
Now stepping into the director’s chair, Donovan says her focus is on player development, team culture, and program visibility. The new board aims to keep growing participation while preserving the community feel that sets the Maroons apart.
This fall, the program will launch a pitcher–catcher development camp in early November, followed by a comprehensive player development camp beginning in January 2026. Both sessions will be open to all age groups, welcoming A-level athletes as well as returning AA players.
“The camps are about giving every girl a chance to build skills and confidence,” said Donovan. “AA is a bridge between community and high-performance softball, and by supporting players at every level, we strengthen the whole Interlake system — from A to AAA.”
Coaching development is also front-of-mind. The Maroons plan to involve coaches early, using the off-season to build relationships with players before tryouts. The board will also promote National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training and Softball Manitoba clinics, while bringing in current and former AAA players as guest clinicians.
“We want our coaches to feel supported and confident,” said Donovan. “That means giving them access to education and mentorship opportunities right from the start.”
While most off-season programming will remain based at Fines Fields in Stonewall’s Quarry Park, Donovan said the Maroons hope to reach further north and east in coming years.
“We’re seeing growing interest from families in West St. Paul and the Northern Interlake,” she said. “If there’s enough demand, we’ll look at hosting pop-up clinics or regional practices. The goal is to keep the program accessible — no matter where a player lives.”
That focus on accessibility also extends to cost management. After tryouts, once teams are formed, the Maroons pursue sponsorships to help offset travel and equipment expenses.
“Sponsorships are key,” Donovan said. “They allow us to keep registration affordable and ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from playing. The community has always been incredibly generous.”
The 2025–26 Maroons board includes six directors representing a wide mix of experience, both on and off the diamond:
Amanda Donovan, Director — Longtime team manager and parent with experience leading youth softball programs; passionate about player pathways and positive culture.
Chris Arbez, Director of Facilities/Equipment — Veteran A-level coach in Stonewall; committed to growing the game region-wide.
Nikki Mathews, Director of Player and Coach Development — Two-year AA head coach, U of W Kinesiology graduate, and advocate for inclusive, athlete-centred coaching.
Amy Coggan, Treasurer — Finance professional and longtime community softball coach dedicated to sport accessibility.
Tyson McMurren, Secretary — CPA bringing organizational and systems expertise.
Karen Hutchinson, Registrar — Warren-based administrator with years of experience in minor ball and multi-sport youth programming.
“We have a small but dedicated team that loves the game,” Donovan said. “Everyone brings something different to the table — and that’s exactly what this program needs to keep thriving.”
The Maroons plan to align closely with Softball Manitoba’s AA pathway, ensuring clear progression from community (A) teams through to high-performance AAA. Players must try out for AA while remaining registered with their A clubs, with gameplay restrictions lifted after the A-level provincials.
Indoor tryouts are being considered for spring 2026 to help coaches finalize rosters early and begin outdoor practices as soon as diamonds are ready.
Donovan emphasized that the program welcomes multi-sport athletes and newcomers to softball.
“AA does require a strong commitment, but many of our players balance hockey, basketball, and other sports,” she said. “With supportive families and good communication, it works. What matters most is that players feel they belong here and are supported to grow.”
As he steps back, Kisiloski said he’s confident the Maroons are poised for another leap forward.
“Amanda and her team bring fresh ideas and real enthusiasm,” he said. “They understand that this is about building not just ballplayers, but leaders and teammates. I’m proud of how far we’ve come — and excited to see what’s next.”
Kisiloski added that he plans to stay connected, helping out when needed and cheering from the sidelines.
“I’ll always be a Maroon,” he said with a smile. “To everyone who’s volunteered, coached, or sponsored over the past three years — thank you. You’ve helped make this program one of the strongest in the province.”
