Freshman catcher Kira Manganello’s journey to Eastern Illinois University is one of self-discovery, ambition and resilience.  

A native of New Orleans, Manganello chose to pursue her education and athletic career in Illinois, seeking a fresh start in a new environment that promised growth both on and off the field. 

“I left Louisiana because I wanted a new lifestyle,” Manganello said. “I wanted something different. Just all the crime rates out there and everything was so high, and I don’t want to be a part of that, or I don’t want to have my kids in that.” 

Falling in love with Eastern’s softball program, Manganello was later recruited with assistant coach Lisaria Daniels, who would leave the program for the 2025 season. 

Manganello was uncertain about the change in the coaching staff, originally meeting former head coach Tara Archibald and the new staff including the new co-head coaches Dan and Kristi Paulson.  

However, Manganello’s trust in the new coaches kept her grounded. 

“I love the new coaching staff, and I just feel like this is where I’m wanted and this is where I can better myself in my future,” Manganello said. 

Her recruitment to Eastern didn’t come easy, as she said she felt doubted in her work. 

Manganello was in her junior year of high school sitting with no offers from any school, but everyone around her was getting offers back-to-back. 

“Very discouraging. Very, very discouraging,” Manganello said. “Like, ‘Am I not good enough? What am I lacking on? They don’t think I’m fit enough to play at this level? What is this?’”  

Throughout her recruitment process, Manganello said she would cry, but this was also the time where she said her relationship with God grew. 

“I would just pray, pray and pray,” Manganello said. “Then finally, God answered my prayers, and then everything laid out right in front of me.” 

She said her prayers landed her on the Panthers roster.  

Manganello’s relationship with God has been growing, she said, and since coming to Eastern she joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

FCA is a religious group on campus where Christian athletes come together to praise and worship. 

Manganello said she appreciates coming to Eastern and joining FCA where she is gaining a better relationship with God by the help of FCA advisor Trey Stille. 

“Getting to know Trey [Stille], the FCA leader, has been such a blessing,” Manganello said. “I’ve learned so much just by talking with him and seeing how many of my peers, who also play sports, are involved in FCA. It’s really refreshing to have that connection and to feel supported by people who share the same values.” 

Manganello ultimately found a home in FCA, as she was open about her relationship with God.  

She connects her athletic journey with her spiritual beliefs, offering a deeper sense of motivation and purpose, she said. 

“When you enter into a fellowship like ours, where it’s literally your peers, it’s people that you’re practicing with or it’s people that you’re crossing paths with in the weight room and things like that, it goes a long way,” EIU’s FCA area representative Trey Stille said. “You’re like, ‘Oh, these are people just like me, and if they can do it, that makes me a little more comfortable to step into this space and do the same.’”  

Stille vividly remembers Manganello’s first day at a FCA huddle.  

Manganello was very exuberant, had a great personality and was willing to be uncomfortable in front of her peers, Stille said.  

“I think the biggest thing is that a couple of times, she invited some of her friends, and one is an athlete, the other is not,” Stille said. “I would say the boldness to say, ‘Hey, come to this thing that’s faith based that I believe in.’” 

Manganello said the pressures of balancing academics, athletics and her growing spiritual journey can be a lot sometimes.  

“I remind myself that everything I’m doing is part of God’s plan,” Manganello said. “He’s given me the opportunity to be here, so I’m just going to keep working hard and trusting him to lead me.”  

With her strong sense of faith, it has helped Manganello navigate the ups and downs of both college life and sports. 

Her faith has also aided her in setting goals for her softball career and leading her team.  

“My ultimate goal is to win the OVC [Ohio Valley Conference],” Manganello said. “I want to be the best player I can be, not just for myself, but for my team. Winning OVC is definitely a big goal, but I also want to leave a mark at Eastern.” 

Manganello’s knowledge and wisdom to her other teammates is what set her apart during her high school, said John Curtis Christian softball head coach Sam Gilmore. 

“She took the younger teammates under her wing to help in the infield,” Gilmore said. “Her attitude, her silliness and her ability to get along with everybody definitely helped the morale of our team and how things went.” 

As a catcher, Kira’s confidence and leadership only grew.  

Her high school coach said that her experience behind the plate helped her take charge on the field and gave her the ability to direct her teammates with authority.  

“She went back and forth between catching and shortstop. But as a catcher, I think that helped her to be more confident in the field and take a lead,” Gilmore said. “And in the dugout, she was always telling kids what pitches were being thrown, the different strategies that she saw from different teams and encouraging the younger ones to stay involved and to pay attention to better learn the game as best as they can.” 

Since coming to college, Manganello’s friendship with freshman utility player Abbi Hatton has grown as they both continuously push each other in every aspect.  

“My friendship with Kira [Manganello] formed naturally because we are teammates who work towards common goals,” Hatton said. “It has grown through the sport of softball because of how much we support and push each other in the weight room, on the field, and off the field in the classroom and religiously.”  

Hatton and Manganello both have played and started in a number of games this season.  

Hatton said she roomed with Manganello for the first pre-season tournament and to help calm their nerves they played gospel music.  

“It really calmed us down and put us in the correct mindset going into our first starts as freshmen,” Hatton said.   

Manganello continues to spread her faith through her play in softball.  

 “I think what makes me different is that I don’t just play for myself. I play for God,” Manganello said. “He gave me this talent, this opportunity, and I’m here because of his grace. I know that everything I do is a reflection of him, and that keeps me grounded.” 

Payton Liggins can be reached at 581-2812 or at paliggins@eiu.edu.