The 2006 Dakota State Softball team will have a new look this upcoming season.  The Trojans lost six players from last year’s team and will be under the guidance of a new Head Coach and Assistant Coach as well.  Bradley Hesser and Ken Prorok have taken over a team that was 12-26 overall and 5-15 in the Dakota Athletic Conference during the 2005 campaign.  Even with the loss of six players the coaching staff expects great things to happen quickly for the Trojans.  When asked what he expects to be different, Hesser states, “We will be very aggressive this season and make things happen.”  He feels the speed that has been added, will give more flexibility to the line-up.  With the lack of depth in the circle, the Trojans will have to keep themselves in the game defensively to give their bats a chance to win the close games.

Key Returnees

The Trojans have leadership at many positions even with the departure of six players.  Leading the Trojans will be Co-Captains Amber Postma and Steph Brakel. Amber Postma is returning to the field after missing the 2005 season with an injury.  She is expected to compete for time in the outfield and provide another solid bat at the plate. Brakel will be a leader on the field, as well as in the dugout, and is the lone returning pitcher from the 2005 team.  The other half of the battery is also a returnee, Ashlee Kirschenman will again be a steady sight behind the plate for the Trojans during 2006.  Alli Hubers will be a force to reckon with again this season.  In 2005, Hubers hit .400 and led the team in hits with 50.  She is expected to build on those numbers and have another solid season for the Trojans.  Allie Gilbert will be returning to the hot corner again this year after a great 2005.  She finished the season last year with a .318 avg. and .957 fielding percentage.  Other returnees from last year’s roster include: Danie Rosheim, Lori Olen, Jessie Klingenberg and Jessica VanLoy.

New Additions

The new additions to the Trojans include many players that are expected to make an immediate impact.  They have added depth to the middle of the infield with the addition of Jacque Dashner, Reba Sabo, and Jamie Becker. Becker is also expected to compete for time at 3B as well.  Across the infield at 1B is the new face of Lacie Foster.  Foster is also working to give some relief to Steph Brakel in the circle.  The new additions to the outfield include Amber Hubers, a transfer from South Dakota State University, and Ashley Herman.