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DSU’s Punzo accepts head coaching job 
at Northwest Missouri State

            Dakota State University head softball coach and assistant athletic director, Susan Punzo has accepted the head coaching position at Northwest Missouri State, a NCAA Division II program.

            “Susan will be hard to replace,” DSU Athletic Director, Dr. Tom Gioglio stated. “She has brought life back into the DSU softball program. This is a great career opportunity and we’re excited for her.”

Punzo helped rebuild a struggling softball program at Dakota State, breaking the school record for most wins in a season (25) and taking the team to its first ever appearance at the regional tournament in just her second season as head coach this past spring. Four of her players were named to DAC-10 All-Conference teams and six were named DAC-10 scholar athletes.

For Punzo it’s a bittersweet opportunity, as she has developed a special relationship with her players here.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Dakota State University,” Punzo said. “I will miss the many friends and colleagues that I have made in Madison. But most of all, I will truly miss my softball players. They are an outstanding group of young ladies and they will always have a very special place in my heart. I give many thanks to them for how hard they worked, for what they accomplished this season and for what they will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.”

The move to Missouri will put Punzo closer to family and closer to the area where she was a student-athlete, playing at Central Missouri State.

“Northwest Missouri State University is a great opportunity for me,” Punzo said. “The position at Northwest allows me to coach at the NCAA Division II level, it is in the well respected MIAA conference and it also allows me to be closer to family.”