Kira Manganello is a tough, contact-oriented catcher-utility piece for Southern
In the 2026 season, Kira Manganello has been a useful depth-and-discipline player for Southern, bringing catcher/INF versatility and a right-right profile that gives the staff lineup flexibility. Her freshman 2025 season at Eastern Illinois showed a unique on-base skill set for a lower-AVG hitter: she reached base at a .419 clip, drew 6 walks, was hit by pitch 15 times, and added two home runs, including a multi-RBI debut breakout. That combination of toughness, plate survival, and positional flexibility makes her a practical fit for teams valuing grinders who can wear pitches and handle multiple spots.
