Coach Tarek Morey is the founder and head coach of MN Spice Softball, bringing more than a decade of softball coaching experience to the program. He has built competitive teams, developed players at multiple levels, and specializes in hitting and infield development.

Tarek created MN Spice because he believes competitive softball should be about more than wins and losses. Players should be challenged to improve, supported by their coaches and teammates, and given the confidence to compete while still enjoying the game. That belief is at the heart of the MN Spice culture: grit, growth, and game IQ.

His coaching approach focuses on developing the whole player by building strong fundamentals, understanding the game, competing with purpose, and becoming a confident teammate and leader. He wants every player in the program to know that she has a place, a voice, and an opportunity to grow.

“Softball is about more than what happens between the lines. It teaches you how to compete, how to respond to challenges, and how to believe in yourself.”

— Coach Tarek Morey, Founder & Head Coach

Coach Emily Smith brings more than a decade of softball coaching experience to MN Spice Softball. She is currently an assistant softball coach at Augsburg University, where she also played collegiately as a starting center fielder and first baseman for three years. Her experience as both a collegiate player and longtime coach has given her a strong understanding of player development, defense and the work that goes into becoming a complete athlete.

Emily believes softball should help athletes develop both on and off the field. Her coaching philosophy focuses on helping players grow beyond their identity as athletes while understanding that softball can be an important part of life without having to be all of it. At MN Spice, she wants players to compete with purpose, give their best effort and leave the field knowing they challenged themselves while still enjoying the game.

Coach Marina Carter brings 10 years of competitive softball experience and four years of collegiate softball experience to MN Spice Softball. She played high school softball at Ankeny High School and club softball with Iowa Elite before competing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Primarily a left and center fielder at the collegiate level, Marina earned NSIC First Team All-Conference honors in 2025, Second Team All-Conference honors in 2024 and NSIC All-Defensive Team recognition after recording a 1.000 fielding percentage during her senior season. She also has experience coaching varsity softball and providing lessons to younger athletes.

Marina's coaching philosophy centers on player development, confidence and creating a positive environment where athletes can learn from mistakes. She wants players to be challenged to improve while also feeling supported for who they are beyond softball. At MN Spice, Marina brings collegiate playing experience, energy and enthusiasm while helping athletes recognize their potential, celebrate their progress and become stronger players and teammates.

Coach Bella Koenig brings nine years of softball experience and a passion for helping young athletes develop to MN Spice Softball. Bella began playing city softball before joining club softball and competing at the varsity level for Columbia Heights as a seventh grader. She became a starting catcher in eighth grade and also has previous experience coaching younger athletes in catching and hitting through T-ball and 10U programs.

Bella's coaching approach centers on teamwork, support and having fun while continuing to improve. She wants players to understand that mistakes are part of the process and that development takes time. As a coach with experience behind the plate and working with younger athletes, Bella hopes to create a positive, encouraging environment where players can support one another, build confidence and enjoy competing together.

Coach Julia Wasgatt brings three years of coaching experience and specialized knowledge in catcher development to MN Spice Softball. Julia played eight years of softball as a catcher and second baseman for Osseo High School and Midwest Speed, serving as a team captain for both teams. She began coaching alongside Tarek and Emily after graduating from Osseo and has coached 16U and 18U players for the past three years. She also has experience helping lead camps for younger athletes.

Julia's coaching approach focuses on strong fundamentals, mechanics, coachability and positivity. She wants players to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and learning as they develop. At MN Spice, she will focus on developing confident catchers while bringing energy and encouragement to the team. Her goal is to help players strengthen their skills, understanding of the game and confidence as they compete at the next level.

Coach Bailey Bast brings a strong competitive playing background and experience in hitting development to MN Spice Softball. She began playing recreational softball at age six and club softball at 11, primarily playing first and third base while developing into a consistent power hitter. Bailey played three seasons of high school varsity softball, reaching regional competition each year and the state competition once. She currently plays collegiate softball at North Central University, where she led the team in batting average during her first season. She has also assisted with club teams and provided private hitting instruction.

Bailey believes every player deserves the opportunity to have a positive experience while continuing to improve. Her coaching approach is inclusive and adaptable, with an emphasis on helping athletes feel comfortable, supported and confident on the field. At MN Spice, she wants players to enjoy competing, challenge themselves and develop both their softball skills and their love for the game.

Coach Erma Ramirez brings collegiate athletic experience and a relationship-focused approach to MN Spice Softball. Erma played softball at North Central University, primarily at second base and in the outfield, while also competing in three other sports. She also brings coaching experience from basketball, including working with teams and camps. Her background as a multi-sport collegiate athlete gives her a strong appreciation for competition, teamwork and the commitment required to continue developing as an athlete.

Erma believes strong relationships are at the center of successful coaching. She wants players to know they are supported while also being held to high expectations and encouraged to hold one another accountable. At MN Spice, she hopes to create a fun, competitive environment where players develop their skills, build confidence and learn to compete together with a shared purpose.

Coach Mykaela Broek brings collegiate playing experience and a passion for player development to MN Spice Softball. She began playing softball at age 11 and competed in high school and club softball in the Kansas City area before continuing her career at North Central University. A pitcher, outfielder and first baseman, Mykaela brings firsthand experience with the preparation, confidence and teamwork required to compete at the next level. This is her first season coaching softball, and she is excited to begin helping young athletes grow through the game.

Mykaela believes developing softball skills is only part of the process. She wants players to build confidence, learn from the game and become stronger teammates while creating a positive and welcoming team culture. At MN Spice, she will focus on encouraging players to believe in themselves, work together and challenge themselves to become better athletes and people.

Coach Reese Jenkins brings collegiate playing experience, a versatile softball background and a passion for player development to MN Spice Softball. Reese is a current college athlete who primarily plays shortstop but has experience at nearly every position on the field. She began her athletic career playing baseball before transitioning to softball around age 11 and has competed with club teams in the Kansas City area. She also helped coach the Minnesota Waves 14U Nationals team and has experience providing hitting instruction.

Reese's coaching philosophy centers on effort, respect, honesty and accountability while keeping the game fun. She wants players to communicate openly, work to become better athletes and compete with confidence. At MN Spice, Reese hopes to bring energy and enthusiasm to the field while helping players enjoy softball, challenge themselves and develop the habits and mindset that can help them continue to grow as athletes.

Coach Taylor Wagner brings more than a decade of softball experience and a player-focused approach to MN Spice Softball. She began playing at 8U before moving into club softball at 13U, competing with the Minnesota Snocatz through 18U. Taylor primarily played first and third base while also gaining experience in the outfield and at second base. She pursued the opportunity to play college softball before a knee injury ended her playing career. She also has experience assisting with a 10U club team.

Taylor believes every player brings different strengths and needs to the field, and she wants to make sure each athlete is seen and given opportunities to succeed. At MN Spice, she hopes to help players develop their skills, build confidence and fall in love with softball while learning how to compete as a team. Her goal is to help players become the best versions of themselves while creating a fun and competitive experience.

Coach Sydney Carlson brings 14 years of softball experience and a passion for building positive team culture to MN Spice Softball. Sydney primarily played shortstop and center field, including a season at Blaine High School and years of summer league softball in the Andover area. She also brings coaching experience from club volleyball and other coaching opportunities, giving her experience working with younger athletes and helping create a positive team environment.

Sydney believes competitive softball should be challenging while still being fun. She wants players to show up ready to work, compete and enjoy the game they love. At MN Spice, she hopes to bring energy, encouragement and plenty of memorable moments while helping players build confidence, develop as athletes and learn how to compete together as a team.

Coach Rylee Blandin brings extensive playing experience and a passion for pitching development to MN Spice Softball. She began playing at age four and competed in association, club and high school softball before earning a spot on the Bethel University roster. A longtime pitcher and outfielder, Rylee was a three-year varsity starting pitcher at Northfield High School and spent two years playing collegiate softball at Bethel. She also brings experience mentoring teammates and younger players and has spent time learning from experienced coaches.

As MN Spice's Pitching & Catching Director, Rylee is especially passionate about helping pitchers develop their mechanics, spin, speed and confidence. Her coaching approach emphasizes coachability, accountability and a willingness to grow. She wants players to feel supported while being challenged to improve and is excited to help athletes develop the skills and confidence they need to take their game to the next level.

Coach Hannah Bock brings collegiate playing experience and specialized catching experience to MN Spice Softball. Hannah began playing slowpitch before transitioning to fastpitch at 12U and has played multiple positions throughout her career, focusing primarily on catching and first base at Bethel University. She has also spent the past three years coaching catchers of all ages through Bethel University camps and is entering her senior year at Bethel.

Hannah's coaching approach focuses on developing the whole athlete, including softball skills, confidence and understanding of the game. She wants players to feel supported, encouraged and excited to come to the field while continuing to challenge themselves. As a catching specialist at MN Spice, Hannah will bring energy and a positive mindset while helping players grow behind the plate and become more confident athletes and teammates.