🏆 12U Coach of the Year – Bonnie Carrete 🏆
Team:
Scheels & 12U Little League
Years of Experience Coaching Fastpitch:
6 Years
About Bonnie:
Originally from Port St. Joe, Florida, Bonnie Carrete played college softball at Troy University in Alabama and has spent 4 seasons as an assistant coach at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She lives in Fargo with her husband, Angel Carrete, their 4 children—Addy (12), Caleb (10), Tomas (10), Miles (4)—and their dog, Carlos. She was also part of the 12U Little League coaching staff that advanced to the 2024 LLS Central Region Tournament in Whitestown, Indiana.
Most Important Trait for a Coach:
Vision. A coach sees potential and leads players toward progress, one small step at a time.
Approach to Coaching Players with Different Skill Levels and Personalities:
Bonnie values the importance of differences. Every athlete has a role to play, and a successful team celebrates all contributions—whether it’s a home run, a sacrifice bunt, positioning on the field, or cheering from the dugout. Recognizing both the quiet leader who works hard and the boisterous one who leads cheers is key. Success comes when each athlete understands and excels in their unique role.
Biggest Influences and Lessons Learned:
Bonnie’s biggest influence is her father, who had a successful coaching career and was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016. From him, she learned that being a coach is a privilege with lasting influence. She focuses on character-driven qualities—hustle, effort, discipline, encouragement—knowing that while the game may be temporary, the impact is enduring.
Coaching Legacy:
Bonnie hopes to leave a legacy that goes beyond the game. She wants her players to feel seen and valued, to understand that it’s okay to want to win and to compete aggressively. Above all, she hopes they fall in love with softball and cherish the memories they create.
Final Thoughts:
Bonnie is grateful for the recognition and thankful for the opportunity to coach.
Honorable Mentions (12U):
Justin Feist (Dakota Selects Gold), Sommer Baker (Jeff’s Plumbing), Sarah Anderson (Jeff’s Plumbing)
Schedule of Announcements:
10U – Vance Christianson (Dakota Selects)
12U – Bonnie Carrete (Scheels Red)
14U – Tuesday, September 3
16/18U – Thursday, September 5
Program Coach of the Year – Monday, September 9