MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) — Stephen Oswald Jr., a Beresford, S.D. native, has been named the 17th head coach of the Dakota Wesleyan University Softball program.
Oswald most recently served as the assistant softball coach at Ohio Dominican University (ODU), a NCAA Division II school, for one year, where he helped develop all levels of on-field play and trained a First Team All-GMAC first baseman, two Second Team All-GMAC outfielders, a Second Team All-GMAC pitcher, and a Second Team All-GMAC shortstop during his tenure.
Prior to his time at ODU, Oswald was an assistant softball coach with his alma mater, Mount Marty University (MMU), from August of 2022 through 2023, and was a graduate assistant for the Lancers’ baseball team from 2018 through 2020. He also has an extensive background in high school and top-end Legion baseball and has experience with local programs.
Oswald graduated from MMU in 2020 with a master’s degree in Education in Coaching Leadership and received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Indianapolis, which is also where Oswald played baseball. Coach Oswald is excited to get started and continue the upward trajectory of the program.
“I count myself extremely blessed to be offered the Head Softball Coach position at Dakota Wesleyan. Thank you to Athletic Director Ross Cimpl and everyone involved in the hiring process for entrusting me with this honor. I am extremely excited to jump into the DWU and Mitchell community.”
Director of Athletics Ross Cimpl is eager to get Coach Oswald on campus.
“We are extremely excited to add Coach Oswald to the DWU family. His energy and passion made a tremendous impression during this process. He is a tremendous addition to DWU Athletics. We have high expectations for our softball program, and we look forward to the Coach Oswald era. We are looking to build on the solid foundation that has been set. We cannot wait to get started.”
Oswald will begin his duties in Mitchell on Aug. 1.