HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – Donnie Danklefsen, head coach of the Trine University softball program, was named 2024 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Softball Coach of the Year. This prestigious accolade is a coach's vote based on the achievements of their colleagues both during regular- and post-season competition.
The Thunder hold a record of 42-3 overall and won the MIAA regular season title with a 14-2 record in league play. It is their 13th regular season championship in program history. Trine would go on to claim their third MIAA Tournament Championship in a row to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Upon entering the event, the Thunder swept their way through the Angola, Indiana Regional with three shutout wins.
"Being named coach of the year is an honor but it really means your players have bought into the success of the team," commented Danklefsen. "They are playing for each other and not for individual awards and, because of that, they have won five-straight MIAA Championships. I am very proud of them and honored to be the Head Softball Coach at Trine University. Thank you to a very prestigious senior class; because of them our staff has been honored. Additionally, thanks to our players and coaching staff for making this happen. Any award is a group effort, and this is a nod to everyone's hard work."
Eight student-athletes for Trine were named to the All-MIAA teams and six were honored as All-Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Danklefsen and the rest of the Trine Thunder softball team will play host to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the NCAA Super Regional Round beginning on Thursday, May 23.