Breaking News: Former Softball Catcher Rachel Balkovec to Become First Minor League Baseball Manager

Former college softball player Rachel Balkovec is set to be named the manager of the Tampa Tarpons, according to a report from The Athletic on Sunday night.

With the appointment, Balkovec will become the first woman to manage a minor league baseball team. The Tarpons are the Low-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Balkovec began her career in professional baseball in 2012 as a strength & conditioning coach for a minor league team, on a temporary assignment. She earned the Appalachian League’s award for Strength Coach of the Year and later assumed the role on a full-time basis. She went on to serve in a variety of strength & conditioning roles for the next few years.

In November 2019, Balkovec joined the Yankees organization as an assistant hitting coach. She has spent the last two seasons within the Yankee organization.

A former college softball catcher, Balkovec began her career at Creighton before transferring to New Mexico to finish her playing days. She graduated from UNM in 2009 and later worked with the LSU softball program while receiving her Master’s degree in kinesiology.