Blue Knights sign 11 new players

The Blue Knights NJCAA DII softball team at Dakota County Technical College has signed 11 new players for the 2024–2025 season. Tom Cross, head softball coach, reported that next season's softball recruiting class features all positions in the sport backed by top high school softball and fastpitch club resumes.

"This class gives us a chance to compete at a very high level," Coach Cross said. "DCTC, the college's Softball program, and our campus community are super-excited and thankful for the great group of student-athletes who will join our school and team this fall!"

Blue Knights NJCAA DII Softball
2024–2025 Recruiting Class

Kayla Buck

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
Simley High School: Four-year varsity starter and MVP
Simley High School coaches: Nick Gallahue and Kelly Darrow
Minnesota Force coach: Julie Standering
Position: Catcher/Outfield
Parents: Shawn and Rebekah Buck
DCTC major: Practical Nursing
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Kayla is a very skilled player that can catch or play in the outfield. She has a solid bat. She has a quite personality—and will help lead the team!"

Zadina Butcher

Willmar, Minnesota
Willmar High School: Two-year starter
Willmar High School coach: Christian Brown
Minnesota Snocatz coach: Abbey Herbert
Position: Outfield
Parents: Kris and Patricia Butcher
DCTC studies: Medical science and criminal justice
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Zadina is a solid outfielder with a good bat. She hits from the left side and gets on base!"

Makayla Friedges

Elko New Market, Minnesota
New Prague High School
Twin City Stars coach: Jerry Lee
Position: Catcher/Middle Infielder
Parents: Charles and Jeri Friedges
DCTC Major: Individualized Studies
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Makayla is credited with the ability to catch high-quality pitching during her career. She is a good player!"

Lily Gilmore

Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Centennial High School: All-Conference Honorable Mention 2022, All-Conference 2023, State Tournament 2023, Team Captain 2023–24
Centennial High School coach: Rick Thomas
Minnesota Force coach: Julie Standering
Position: Outfielder
Parents: Jenny and Adam Gilmore
DCTC major: Individualize Studies
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Lily is an impact player. She is an outstanding outfielder and leader. I look for big things next year!"

Cami Kraft

Burnsville, Minnesota
Apple Valley High School: Two-year Starter, Two-Time Team Captain
Apple Valley High School coach: Shaun Linquist
Lady Storm coach: Angel Dye
Position: Utility
Parents: Amy and Charles Kraft
DCTC studies: Animal science, medical field
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Cami will be invaluable to us because she is such a versatile player with a great attitude."

Ella Nguyen

Minneapolis, Minnesota
St. Louis Park High School: 2021 Metro West Honorable Mention, 2021 All-Section, 2022 MCFA All-Section, 2023 All-Conference
St. Louis Park High School coach: Chris Gabler
Minnesota Force coach: Angie Jackson
Position: Catcher/Utility
Parents: Jessie Warren and Dan Nguyen
DCTC major: Digital Marketing Specialist
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Ella has an incredible background and has experienced a lot of success. We are hopeful for big things at DCTC!"

Anna Pederson

South St. Paul, Minnesota
South St. Paul High School: Four-Year Starter
South St. Paul High School coach: Allison Binder
Mendota Heights Warriors coach: Chris Belair
Position: Shortstop, 2nd Base, Third Base
Parents: Laina and Darin Pederson
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Anna is a coach's dream at how she plays defense!!! She is capable of playing all the infield spots. Her bat has great potential!"

Madi Peterson

Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Ellsworth High School: Three-Year Starter
Ellsworth High School coach: Tom Diercks
Lady Storm coaches: Angel Dye and Chad Dye
Position:Pitcher/2nd Base
Parents: Casey and Patricia Peterson
DCTC major: Practical Nursing
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Madi is a powerful pitcher with all the pitches. She can also hit with power. She is a softball player that brings it! We look for Madi to have great success!"

Abby Roberto

Oakdale, Minnesota
Tartan High School: Four-Year Starter, 2021, 2022 All-Conference Honorable Mention, 2023 All-Conference, 2022, 2023 All-Conference Soccer
Tartan High School coach: Jessica Dooley
Midwest Sparks coach: Britt Bruzek
Position: Pitcher/1st Base
Parents: Jennifer  Roberto  and Jay Stadler
DCTC studies: Criminology and law enforcement
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Abby is really a good player. Her ball moves when she pitches with good velocity. She is a solid hitter that moves the ball from the left side. A multi-sport athlete!"

Myah Ruddy

Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Coon Rapids High School: Three-Year Letter Winner, Most Improved Award, Academic Award
Coon Rapids High School coach: Alicia Nelson
Midwest Speed coach: Alan Krueger
Position: Pitcher, 1st Base, 3rd Base
Parents: Melissa and Benjamin Ruddy
DCTC major: Exercise and Sport Science
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Myah plays softball at a high level and is a very welcome addition to our team. We are excited to see her progress at the college level!"

Danika Wynos

Keshena, Wisconsin
Menominee Indian High School: Four-Year Starter, All-Defense Award
Menominee High School coach: Brian Johnson
Velocity Performance coaches: Karri and Todd Vandenlangenberg
Position: 3rd Base/Utility
Parents: David Wynos and Devin Askenette
DCTC studies: Psychology
DCTC Blue Knights Head Softball Coach Tom Cross: "Danika is a very hardworking, dedicated player that is all about team. She thrives on wanting to make a difference in a positive way!"

Learn more about NJCAA DII softball at DCTC by contacting: