DOWNS SELECTED AS 16TH HEAD COACH IN TIGER SOFTBALL HISTORY

Mitchell, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University Athletics Director Jon Hart is pleased to announce the hiring of Tommy Downs as the 16th head softball coach in the program's history.

Hart spoke about the hiring of Downs, saying, "We are thrilled to add Coach Downs to our team. He is a high caliber, proven leader who brings extensive development and coaching experience. We had a very competitive candidate pool and our search team and student-athletes are extremely excited for this new chapter of DWU softball."

Downs comes to Dakota Wesleyan after a successful run in Prescott, Ariz., where he was the head coach at Embry-Riddle University. During the 2021-22 season, Downs led his team to a 38-8 overall record which placed them in the top 25 of the NAIA National Softball Poll for the first time in school history, earning the rank of 23rd. Over the past three seasons with ERU, Downs proved to be successful taking down seven of the nine top 25 opponents he and his team faced. 

Before Downs became the head coach, he was an assistant for one season where he oversaw recruiting and assisted in all aspects of the softball program. He also assisted with scouting opponents and field preparations prior to training and games.

Before to stepping into the collegiate coaching ranks, Downs was a hitting instructor at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, Ariz., where he taught hitting techniques. The season after he began as hitting coach, the team's batting average jumped to .375.

Downs is excited to arrive in Mitchell stating, "I am extremely honored and blessed for the opportunity to be a part of the Dakota Wesleyan University family, and to coach the Tigers softball team. I want to thank Jon Hart and the entire search committee at DWU for giving me the chance to coach for the university. I am excited to work with our current players and build a strong competitive culture that will produce successful athletes on and off the field. I look forward to building a winning program here at DWU, and competing in the GPAC."

Downs first day with the Tiger softball program will on Tuesday, September 6th.