Jordyn Swoboda Steps Down as Ridgewater Softball Coach

Why the Move Was Needed

On July 10, Willmar‑area coach Jordyn Swoboda announced she will not continue as head coach of the Ridgewater College softball team after just one season. Swoboda balances a full‑time role as a marketing strategist and multimedia manager for St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict, based in Collegeville, with coaching duties. The daily commute from her Willmar home made it hard to devote the time required to grow the program the way she envisioned. “It’s not just a spring job,” she noted, emphasizing that recruiting, scheduling and practice management ate up precious hours. Ultimately, the competing commitments forced her to choose between the two careers.

Season Record and Playoff Run

During her brief tenure, Ridgewater posted a 9‑14 overall mark, yet still earned a spot in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) South Division playoffs. The Warriors faced a tough best‑of‑three series against the heavily favored Central Lakes College in Brainerd, falling two games to one. The roster featured ten newcomers, giving the team a youthful foundation for future growth. Swoboda expressed hope that a solid recruiting class could elevate Ridgewater into the upper echelon of the MCAC in subsequent years.

Transition to Assistant Coach Morgan Flann

Swoboda briefed assistant coach Morgan Flann about her decision at the season’s end, confident that Flann can carry the program forward. “She’s someone who career‑wise and school‑wise has the time and passion to make it work,” Swoboda said of her former assistant. The hardest part of leaving, she added, was telling the players, many of whom she had grown close to while coaching. Swoboda remains eager to support the team and watch Flann’s leadership unfold.

Coaching Roots and Family Connections

Swoboda, a graduate of St. Benedict, played on the school’s softball team before spending two seasons as an assistant under head coach Callie Danielson, who stepped down after the 2025 season. Danielson had previously served as the pitching coach at St. Benedict, the same alma mater where Swoboda competed. The Danielson family legacy runs deep in Willmar softball; Callie’s father, Guy Nelsen, coached the Willmar Cardinals for 24 years, amassing eight Central Lakes Conference titles and five section championships. Under Nelsen’s guidance, Willmar achieved one state runner‑up finish and two third‑place honors before he retired in 2006. Swoboda reflected that her three years with the program were “a great three years,” underscoring her lasting ties to the sport.

Future Plans and Outlook

Although she is stepping away from the Ridgewater sideline, Swoboda has no plans to abandon coaching altogether. She praised the players’ dedication and voiced excitement about following their progress next season. With Flann at the helm and a recruiting class that could boost the roster, Ridgewater aims to build on the foundation laid during Swoboda’s brief but impactful stint. Fans and former players will watch for continued development in the years ahead.