Trine University Named Region VII Coaching Staff of the Year 6/4/2025 5:00:00 PM Share: -- Story provided by Trine University Athletics -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has unveiled their honorees for the 2025 NCFCA Division III Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, with the Trine University coaches representing Region VII. One coaching staff from each of the NCAA's ten regions were selected for the award, making them eligible to be named the NFCA Division III National Coaching Staff of the Year. The Thunder are led by Head Coach Donnie Danklefsen in his 21st season at the helm of the program. He is assisted by Dennis Smith and Zech Huston. It is the third straight season that the crew has earned the award, with the staff going on to win the national award after the 2023 campaign and the program's first national championship. It is the seventh time in his career that Danklefsen has been recognized. Trine currently boasts a 45-5 record as they compete on the final day of the 2025 season, just the fourth time they have surpassed 40 wins. One more win would secure the program its second NCAA Division III National Championship and tie the team record for most wins in a season. Three members of the team earned NFCA All-American status, with seven earning NFCA All-Region and Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association All-Conference. The Thunder secured their 14th total and sixth straight MIAA championship earlier this season with Danklefsen recognized as the conference coach of the year for the second straight season. Related Stories 09.17.25 Hope's Kust and Daugherty Attend Prestigious WeCOACH Academies 08.25.25 Trine Earns Top-10 Academic Team Spot as MIAA Players Shine in NFCA Awards 06.17.25 Trine's Michon, Lee Named Academic All-Americans 06.13.25 NFCA Names Trine Coaching Staff of the Year Related Videos Now Playing: Play Video
