Softball Academy Coaching Staff

Mackenzie Bender

Mackenzie has an illustrious softball career, having competed in multiple national championships and clinched a U21 national bronze medal. Her collegiate journey took her to Simon Fraser University in Division 2 NCAA and the GNAC Conference, where she made a significant impact, helping her team reach the conference finals in her rookie season as a relief pitcher. After 2.5 years, a major concussion led her back to Edmonton, where she completed her Kinesiology Degree at the University of Alberta. Now, she serves as a pitching coach for the Sherwood Park U17 team, contributing to their silver medal win at provincials while still actively playing competitive women's fastball for the St. Albert Pride. Mackenzie's coaching philosophy emphasizes individualized development, focusing on fundamental principles such as leg drive, body positioning, and proper hand movement to achieve spin. Her ultimate goal is to nurture strong pitchers in Alberta and provide them with opportunities for post-secondary play.

Shaina Eyre

Shania's remarkable softball journey began with the White Rock Renegades in minor softball, where she achieved numerous provincial championships, Canada Cup titles, and tournament victories. She showcased her talent on the national stage, attending the Canadian national championships five times and securing two gold medals in U15 and U17, along with silver and bronze. Transitioning to Purdue University Fort Wayne, a Division One institution in Indiana, she excelled for five seasons, earning two prestigious pitcher of the week awards in both the Summit League and Horizon League. In her final season, Shania etched her name in the school's history books by setting a record for the most pitching appearances, while also leaving her mark in the top-ten for wins and ranking fifth in career strikeouts. Her passion for the sport continues as she eagerly joins the U15A Hrycun coaching staff this season and engages in SPMSA camps and clinics, sharing her wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of players.

Keegan Kwong

Keegan will act as the academy director and head coach.  Keegan graduated from the SEEBA program and attended Douglas College in Vancouver, British Columbia.  After he finished, he transferred to Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana.  After he finished school, he came back and began is coaching career.  This past season, he coached the Sherwood Park Athletics 15U AAA team and the Zone 6 Alberta Zone 15U team. Keegan will be working with pitchers and catchers.

Tanner Kirwer 

Tanner is a graduate of the Sherwood Park Dukes program.  Tanner earned a scholarship to attend Niagra University where he played three years as a Purple Eagle before being drafted by the Toronto Bluejays in the 20th round of the 2017 MLB draft.  Tanner worked his way to AAA over 6 years in the Bluejays and the Mariners farm systems.  Tanner brings a wealth of baseball experience and knowledge, and most importantly, is a great human.  He will be working with hitters and focusing on defense.

Treyl Ernst

Treyl is a former outside hitter with the University of Alberta Augustana Campus volleyball program. Treyl will be overseeing The Lift Center and will be providing athletes with their strength and conditioning programming.  Treyl brings a professional hard working attitude to the gym and will have athletes set up for success in the area of personal fitness.