WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Walla Walla Sweets have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 West Coast League season, with head coach Leo Rivera joined by assistant coaches Korey Kier, Brendan Cabrera, and Henry Carson.

Rivera, a former Sweets infielder and Whitman College standout, brings a player-first approach as he leads the 2026 club. His focus centers on building a connected, competitive environment where development remains a priority throughout the summer.

“First and foremost, I want to establish a winning culture,” Rivera said. “We’re here to get better. Every day, whether you’re playing or not, you’re here to get better.”

Rivera emphasized that assembling the right staff was just as important as building the roster itself.

“I want to surround myself with people who are on the same page,” Rivera said. “People that want to work and be there every day.”

Kier will serve as the team’s pitching coach while also bringing extensive experience in player development and scouting. He has been the head coach at Mt. Hood Community College since 2022 and has worked as a part-time scout for multiple Major League Baseball organizations. Kier also spent time in the West Coast League with the Cowlitz Black Bears, where he helped lead player development from 2012 to 2017, and continues to serve as a color analyst for University of Portland baseball broadcasts.

Cabrera joins the staff as hitting coach while finishing his master’s degree at Gonzaga University this spring. He previously played two seasons at Umpqua Community College, earning all-conference honors and a 2023 South Conference Gold Glove, before continuing his career at Lewis-Clark State College. While with the Warriors, Cabrera ranked ninth all-time in stolen bases and was named CSC Academic All-District in both seasons. A native of Aloha, Oregon, he brings a well-rounded playing background to the Sweets staff.

Carson will serve as assistant coach and clubhouse manager, adding experience in both coaching and operations. He has served as head coach at King’s Senior and Junior High School since 2024 and works as the Assistant Director of Operations for City Baseball in the greater Seattle area.

Rivera, Kier, Cabrera, and Carson will lead the Sweets into the 2026 West Coast League season, with Walla Walla opening on the road against the Yakima Valley Pippins on May 29 before hosting the Corvallis Knights at Borleske Stadium on June 2.