PILLAGER, Minn.– Pillager Public Schools named Elaina Fritz as the next head softball coach of the Huskies last week.

Fritz was previously the junior varsity coach with the Huskies last season. Along with the season of coaching experience, she also played five years on the Bemidji State University Softball team.

“We are very excited to bring Elaina to our district, she has great rapport with students both on the field and in the classroom and she has put a lot of time and energy into the girls program over the past year as an assistant, and we are excited to see how she can continue to grow and impact our program moving forward,” said Pillager Huskies Activities Director Matthew Moen. “I know we are excited about the future and we look forward to the direction she takes the program.”

Over the past year, Fritz has been involved in the district. Not just in coaching but also in being an elementary special education teacher.

“I have developed a deep appreciation for Pillager and the overwhelming support and kindness I’ve experienced this past year,” said Fritz. “The connectedness and engagement of the community are truly remarkable, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Witnessing such strong community involvement has been inspiring and reinforces my excitement to contribute further as a head coach.”

Pillager began the search for a new head softball coach when previous Coach Greg Bennett retired from softball coaching at the end of the 2023 season.