Trinity Welcomes Jackie Manrique as Head Softball Coach

The Athletics Department at Trinity Christian College announces the hiring of Jackie Manrique as their new head softball coach. Manrique, a former NCAA Division II player, comes to Trinity from North Park University, where she has served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons.  She takes over the program from Coach Missy Bolhuis, who directed the team for seven years and resigned the position after the 2016 season.

“We are very excited to have Jackie on board to lead our softball program,” said Athletics Director Bill Schepel. “She brings with her some valuable collegiate coaching experience, a number of viable recruiting connections, and an enthusiasm and energy that I’m confident will revitalize the program.”

At North Park, Manrique assisted with all aspects of the softball program, but especially worked with the pitchers and catchers.  In addition, Manrique has given private pitching instruction for the past five years and conducted various pitching clinics.

Manrique pitched collegiately at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota from 2010-2013. As a relief pitcher for the Huskies, she posted a 3.57 earned run average in her freshman year and a 3.92 ERA as a sophomore before injury limited her in her junior season. During her time at St. Cloud she received All-American Scholar-Athlete honors.

A Chicago native, Manrique was a four-year player at Lane Tech High School, where she led the Indians to three straight conference titles. She was a three-time all-conference selection and served as a team co-captain all four of her seasons.  In the summer of 2009 she also competed on Team America with elite softball players from around on the country.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the community here at Trinity Christian College,” said Manrique. “I cannot thank Bill Schepel, Josh Lenarz and the rest of the search committee for this tremendous opportunity. It was evident within my interview process that the entire college is committed to the success of each student. I look forward to meeting the team and watching them grow athletically, academically and spiritually.”

Manrique earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations in three years and graduated in 2013 from St. Cloud State University.  She went on to receive a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from North Park University in 2016. She has immediately assumed her coaching duties at Trinity.