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!”
The DCTC Blue Knights hosted the annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Emerald Greens Golf Course on August 26th. The fundraiser helps support current and future Blue Knight student-athletes, and had a great turnout that included many Blue Knights athletes, staff, friends, family, partners, and supporters.
The DCTC Blue Knights Softball team traveled to Glendive, Montana for the NJCAA Region 13 Championship May 4-6. The tournament featured six teams including Dawson CC, Bismarck State, Williston State, Miles CC, Lake Region State, and DCTC. The first game was against Lake Region State and it was a battle! The Knights were down two runs in the bottom of the 7th when DCTC tied it up to go into extra innings. In the top of the 8th the Royals scored two runs but the home teamed battled back to get within one run when Fr. Rhiannon Horien (2B) hit a three run homer to give the Blue Knights a 9-7 walk-off, come-from-behind victory! Soph. Emily Kuehl pitched all eight innings to gain the victory! Allie Sibbald was 3-4 with 4 RBI’s.
The second game was a tough game for the Knights losing to #2 seed Miles. DCTC was held to just five hits. The Blue Knights came back the next day in the first elimination game vs Bismarck State. The Blue Knights got off to a good start leading 2-0 going into the 4th inning when the Mystics score four unanswered runs to take the lead. The game stayed at 4-2. In the bottom of the 7th being down by two runs again didn’t faze the home team as they earned their 2nd walk off win when Fr. Callie Adams ( LF ) singled to left to knock in the winning run giving the spirited Blue Knights team the victory! Kuehl again got the victory on the mound. Soph. Molly Erickson, Adams, Kuehl, Sibbald and Horien all had at least two hits.
Again facing elimination, the Knights played Williston State in the 2nd game of the day. It was 2-2 after two innings. The Tetons then scored three runs in the top of the 3rd to take the lead. They then scored three more runs in the top of the 5th to take a 8-2 lead. The Knights then scored two in the 5th and three in the sixth to get within one run! Sibbald pitched marvelously in the sixth and 7th to hold them scoreless the rest of the way! In the bottom of the seventh the home team scratches a couple more runners on base to bring up to bat Fr. Preslie Annala (3B). Annala had homered earlier in the game in bringing the Blue Knights close again. With the game in the balance, with two players on she did it one more time for a three run homer giving the DCTC softball team it’s third walk off win! Annala ended up 4-5 with six RBI’s! Sibbald was the winning pitcher and added three hits! FR. Hailey Schneller was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI’S! FR. Izzy Okeson caught all the games and registered two hits. Soph. Monica Brown had two hits for the victory!
DCTC then took on Miles CC for the second time on the final day of the tournament. Down 2-0 in the 3rd, Sibbald hit a towering homerun that ties it up! The Knights struggled after that losing again to the Pioneers. “The team really played with great enthusiasm and togetherness throughout the tournament” stated head coach Tom Cross. "Winning three walk off games in a row is really something!"
The softball program at DCTC has announced the signing of Kennedy Noth (Greenfield, Wisconsin) to a National Letter of Intent starting in the fall of 2023. She is a very versatile player that can play outfield, 1st or shortstop. She attends Tomah High School and is coached by Dan Wall. Kennedy also plays for the Fire Pro Club team. Her parents are Kim and Gary Noth. Noth has been awarded numerous academic and athletic awards over the course of her career. Her academic interests includ Pre-Vet and Nursing. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with Kennedy next year! She will bring a lot to the table including having great versatility as a player, a solid left handed bat, and a fun personality! “ says Tom Cross, DCTC Head Softball coach.
Kylee McDaniels from Cottage Grove, MN has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Softball at Dakota County Technical College starting in the fall of 2023. Kylee is a pitcher and plays shortstop. Her mom is Kristin McDaniels. She is coached by Scott Christopherson of the St. Paul Park club team. Kylee will be enrolled in the Dental Assistant program at DCTC. “Kylee is a very good athlete who will get an opportunity in our program. We are hoping for big things for her in the near future” says Head Coach Tom Cross.
The DCTC Athletics Department has announced softball player Chloe Lingelbach has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Dakota County Technical College starting the fall of 2023. Chloe will be a graduate of Cannon Falls High School. Her parents are Patti Maki and Jamie Lingelbach. Her high school coach is Tom Langfeldt. She plays club softball for the St. Paul Rookies. Chloe will pitch and play 3rd base for the Blue Knights. She will pursue a major in Logistics.
“Chloe is a solid player! She has all the pitches and plays the hot corner (3B)! Her bat is powerful!!! We are very excited to work with her. Gabby Heckmann, our Assistant Coach, played a very important part in recruiting Chloe! “ says Head Coach Tom Cross.
Spenser Mohr (FY-COVID. Catcher, Fargo, ND) and Natalie Nusbaum (FY-COVID. Infielder, Spring Lake Park, MN) have been named to the NJCCA All Region 13 softball team. The twelve-member team represents Region 13 which includes Lake Region St., Williston State, Dawson, Bay College, Gogebic College, Miles College, Bismarck College and DCTC. Mohr was named catcher of the team and Nusbaum was named as an infielder. Mohr has signed to attend Ursuline College in Ohio on a softball scholarship. Nusbaum will be accepting a position as a Medical Assistant in the Twin Cities area. Olivia Weinberg (Fy. Infielder, Apple Valley, MN) was named Honorable Mention to the team. The Blue Knights finished their season 15-15.
Join Blue Knights Softball Live for the NJCAA Division II Region 13 Softball Tournament May 8-9. The Blue Knights begin play as the 2nd seed from the East on Sunday, May 8th at 12:00pm. The tournament champions will advance to the District Championship.
The livestream for all games will be available via the Dawson Community College Softball Facebook page. The link will be posted on the Facebook page before the start of each game: https://www.facebook.com/DawsonSoftball
The DCTC Softball team has been battling some very good opponents, but the toughest opponent has been the weather! Whether it be in Florida or in the Midwest, cold, wet and raining has been the name of the game. The Blue Knights, however, are off to a respectable start going 9-9 so far. The team has had wins versus Anoka Ramsey, Lake Region St., Itasca, Vermillion, MATC, and Bay College.
Jada Wolle (Irondale), Emily Kuehl (Bloomer,WI) and Natalie Nusbaum (Spring Lake Park) have led the way from the circle. Spenser Mohr (Ronald Davies, Fargo, ND) has been a workhorse catching every game and being a leader in homeruns and RBI’s. Nusbaum has been an ignitor leading off and leading the team in on base average. Kuehl and Wolle play in the field when they are not pitching and have had some star quality with some of their bats! Olivia Weinberg (Eastview) has been a rock at 3B and has been an exceptional hitter in most categories across the board. Molly Erickson (Maple Lake) has shown great power numbers in homeruns, RBI’s and on base average. She also has played a solid outfield. Kaitlyn Penny (Farmington) has shown consistent good numbers in all offensive categories and played shortstop the whole year. Julia Offerdahl (Minneapolis South) has created a cohesive mix to our team playing 2B and adding multiple hit games along the way! Reilly Parker (Roseville) has improved throughout her career at both the outfield and hitting. Ashley Darcy (Two Rivers) and Nora Huberty (Holy Angels) have been positive contributors to this year’s team!
The Blue Knights have a very challenging schedule the rest of the way with the playoffs on the horizon starting May 3rd in Ironwood, Michigan for the subsection championship, and the Region Championship on May 8th and 9th. Eight of the next 10 games are at home. Check out our website for more information. Go Blue Knights!
The Blue Knights Softball program has announced the signing of Allison Boroz from Casper, Wyoming. Boroz comes to the Blue Knights with an incredible resume. She was first team All-Conference in 2020-21. Allison was on the travel ball state championship team in 2018 and 2019. Her position has great flexibility since she can play both in the infield and outfield.
She is interested in going into Nursing and Criminal Justice. Her parents are Joe and Angie Boroz. Allison's coach at Kelly Walsh High School is Claire Smith. Boroz has played club ball for the Casper Cobras under the direction of Dee Bailey, the Casper Rebels coached by Chad Wood, and the Valor Valkyrie coached by Todd Cabrera. “Allison brings so much to the table! Her skills and personality will be a great addition to our team! I’m seeing a great future! “ says Tom Cross, Head Softball Coach. Welcome to DCTC!
Sophomore catcher Spenser Mohr has signed a National Letter of Intent to Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, an NCAA Division II school. The hard-hitting Mohr leads the Blue Knights in several categories this spring and she was an honorable mention All-Region player last year. Spenser came to DCTC from Ronald Davies High School in Fargo, North Dakota. She played club ball with the South Dakota Renegades. Her parents are Bryan and Melissa Mohr.
Spenser will graduate this spring with an Exercise Science AS degree. DCTC Head Softball Coach Tom Cross says, “Spenser has been an outstanding student athlete for us at DCTC! She has a great future ahead of her as she pursues her dreams! I’m very proud of her as she moves on! Go Spenser!!!!"
DCTC Blue Knights Softball has announced the signing of Preslie Annala from Proctor, MN to a National Letter of Intent. Preslie is an excellent Outfielder who last year batted over .300 and hit 8 homeruns and with 28 RBI’s. She received All Conference Honorable Mention honors last year and is expected to be a big contributor to the Proctor High School Softball team this year! She also plays for the Northern Ice 18U club team, and was a member of the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team that was runner-up in the state championship this year! Her mom is Kelli Annala. Her high school coach is Bud Joyce. Preslie's academic interests are in the Dental and Medical field. DCTC Softball Coach Tom Cross says, “I’m very excited to coach Preslie next year! She is a strong, athletic softball player who hits with power!" Welcome to DCTC!
Brynn Swift from Hutchinson High School, MN has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend DCTC starting the fall of 2022. Brynn is a very talented centerfielder who will have a chance to impact the Blue Knights immediately! She has a solid bat and will add additional punch to a strong lineup. She has been recognized as a top player in her conference. Brynn will be studying Health and Education at DCTC. Her parents are Jennifer and Trent Selle. Her high school coach is Dustin Boekers. Her club coach is Raquel Bushman from Crow River Fastpitch. “ Brynn is an exciting addition to our school and softball program. She fits a need for our team and my hope is she will be very successful “ says Head Coach Tom Cross.
DCTC Softball has announced the signing of shortstop Rhiannon Horien. Rhiannon comes from Northern Freeze High School. She is an outstanding multisport athlete in softball and volleyball. Her parents are Scott and Bobbi Horien. She was a North Border All Conference Honorable Mention twice in softball and All Conference in volleyball this past fall. Her softball coach is Tom Maki. Rhiannon plans on going into Exercise and Sports Science. Coach Tom Cross says, “Rhiannon is a diamond in the rough coming out of northern Minnesota! I’m hoping for big things next year! She has talent and will be a great addition to our school and athletic programs!"
Dakota County Technical College has announced that Riley Vander Pal has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for the Blue Knights starting in the fall of 2022! Vander Pal is a strong, powerful explosive hitter that plays catcher and 3rd base. Riley has received both offense and defensive recognition in her career.
Her parents are Brad and Heather Vander Pal. She plays for Sydney Dwyer at Eastview High School and plays Club softball for the Lady Storm and Chad Dye.
Riley’s academic interest is Welding and she will be enrolled in that program.
Tom Cross, the head coach at DCTC says “ Riley will be a terrific addition to our team! She is a solid player that can really hit and will play good defense! Her future is very bright!"
Women’s soccer team nominated • 14 individual athletes nominated
Dakota County Technical College has submitted nominations for 2020–2021 NJCAA All-Academic Awards for teams and individual players. The DCTC Blue Knights women’s soccer team (average GPA: 3.11) has been nominated for the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Award.
Fourteen Blue Knights softball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, baseball and basketball players have been nominated for NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Awards.
Marki Struensee serves as the college’s athletic coordinator. Marki oversaw the nomination process for all six NJCAA teams at DCTC.
“I am proud of each and every Blue Knight athlete,” she said. “In the past year, COVID has forced us to make some big changes to athletics as well as academics. These student-athletes worked hard to balance it all—at times with things changing daily. Congrats to the individual and team nominations, as well as those who didn’t make the nomination criteria. Thank you for all of your hard work!”
DCTC Team Nominated
Blue Knights Women’s Soccer
Average GPA: 3.11
Bella Ciccarelli (4) • 3.81 GPA • Team and Student-Athlete [team photo unavailable]
DCTC Individual Players Nominated
Ben Goelz
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Zach Gunderson
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Ariyontai Hatcher
Basketball
Freshman
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Jordi Herrera
Men’s Soccer
Sophomore
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Alissa Merrick
Women’s Soccer
Freshman
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Caitlin Springer
Women’s Soccer
Freshman
GPA: 4.00 • NJCAA All-Academic First Team
Kirby Pieri
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 3.97 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Riley Pederson
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 3.95 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Maria Gutzmann
Softball
Freshman
GPA: 3.94 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Benjamin Simonsen
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 3.91 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Lilly Hernandez
Women’s Soccer
Sophomore
GPA: 3.88 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Elizabeth Lehrer
Softball
Freshman
GPA: 3.82 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Isabella Ciccarelli
Softball, Women’s Soccer
Freshman
GPA: 3.81 • NJCAA All-Academic Second Team
Dalton Burns
Baseball
Freshman
GPA: 3.75 • NJCAA All-Academic Third Team
Elizabeth Lehrer (Fr. SS Little Chute, WI ) has been named 1st team All Region 13 in softball! She was named at the infield position as a shortstop. She had a terrific batting average for the year at .490 with 38 RBI’s and 5 homeruns. She had a fielding percentage of .984. The team finished the season 24-6! She will be attending a four-year school and playing softball next year. She has a 3.9 GPA. Her intended major will be Biology. She was the commencement speaker at this year’s graduation!
Courtney Heagle ( So. P Inver Grove Hts., Mn ) , Julia Offerdahl ( So. INF Minneapolis, Mn ) and Spenser Mohr ( FR. C Fargo, ND ) all received All Region nomination.
Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity took the lead late in the game with an 11-10 victory over Bay College Norse Softball on Wednesday. The Blue Knights were down 10-8 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Spenser Mohr homered on a 0-1 count, scoring three runs.
A six-run lead in the second inning was just enough for the Blue Knights Varsity to hold off Bay College Norse for the win. Bay College Norse managed eight runs in an attempt to comeback. Wynn, Chailier, Tardiff, Zeise, and Patron picked up RBIs to lead the rally.
Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity opened up scoring in the second inning when Bella Ciccarelli singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run.
In the top of the fourth inning, Bay College Norse tied things up at eight when Zeise singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.
Blue Knights Varsity notched eight runs in the second inning. Maria Gutzmann, Amber Roby, Bella Ciccarelli, Natalie Nusbaum, Haily Dabrowski, and Spenser Mohr each drove in runs during the inning.
Bay College Norse Softball scored five runs in the third inning. Wynn, Chailier, and Tardiff each had RBIs in the frame.
Courtney Heagle got the win for Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity. The pitcher lasted five innings, allowing nine hits and five runs while striking out four.
Patron took the loss for Bay College Norse Softball. The bulldog went five innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out two.
Hannah Edington started the game for Bay College Norse Softball. Edington surrendered eight runs on 11 hits over one inning, walking zero. Roby started the game for the Blue Knights Varsity. Roby lasted two innings, allowing six hits and five runs while walking zero.
Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity tallied one home run on the day. Mohr went deep in the sixth inning.
Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity collected 17 hits on the day. Mohr, Gutzmann, Vargo, Dabrowski, and Nusbaum all had multiple hits for Blue Knights Varsity. Vargo, Gutzmann, and Mohr each managed three hits to lead the Blue Knights. Dakota County Technical College Blue Knights Varsity was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Dabrowski made the most plays with five.
Bay College Norse Softball racked up 15 hits. Tardiff, Zeise, Kaukola, Wynn, and Cortinas each collected multiple hits for Bay College Norse Softball. Tardiff led Bay College Norse with four hits in four at bats. Bay College Norse Softball was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Kaukola had the most chances in the field with six.
Olivia Weinberg and Emily Kuehl sign with Blue Knights
Olivia Weinberg, a senior at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Emily Kuehl, a senior at Bloomer High School in Bloomer, Wisconsin, have signed national letters of intent to play NJCAA Division II softball at Dakota County Technical College. Emily and Olivia will be starting classes at DCTC fall semester 2021.
Both young women have exceptional experience playing softball at the high school and club levels. Both became starters on their high school varsity teams as ninth graders—Olivia (3B, OF) playing for the Eastview Lightning, Emily (P, 1B) for the Bloomer Blackhawks.
Emily currently plays for the Central Wisconsin Voodoo on the 18U roster. Olivia currently plays for the Minnesota Magic on the 18U Gold Roster.
Head Softball Coach Tom Cross is proud to welcome Emily and Olivia to the Blue Knights.
“I couldn’t be more excited about these two players joining our program,” Coach Cross said. “They add to an already solid class of earlier signings.”
Olivia Weinberg
Olivia Weinberg and family
Coach Cross: Olivia Weinberg is a very talented athlete that can play anywhere. Olivia’s primary position is third base, but she can play all the infield positions along with outfield. She has been an All-Section and All-South Suburban Conference player. She plays infield and outfield for the Minnesota Magic, one of the top club teams in the state.
Parents: Paul and Stephanie Weinberg
Eastview Lightning Coach: Sydney Dwyer
Minnesota Magic Coach: Laura Heise
Academic Interest: Completing generals for pre-med track
Emily Kuehl
Emily Kuehl with parents
Coach Cross: Emily Kuehl is a power pitcher who also plays first base. Emily’s accolades are many: she has been All-Heart O’ North Conference, All-District and All-State. She has exceeded 60 mph on multiple pitches. Emily’s high school career record is 29–7 . She pitches and plays first base for the Central Wisconsin Voodoo.
Parents: Todd and Bobbie Kuehl
Bloomer Blackhawks Coach: Keith Poirier
Central Wisconsin Voodoo Coach: Kevin Brown
Academic Interest: Individualized Studies
More about Blue Knights softball at DCTC…
The Blue Knights softball team competes at the NJCAA DII level in Region 13, which includes teams from Minnesota, North Dakota, Upper Michigan Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. The Knights play their home games at the UMore Softball Fields in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Softball Head Coach Tom Cross
Head Coach Tom Cross
Tom Cross took over as head coach of the Blue Knights softball team in 2011. Cross has more than 25 years of experience as a head coach at the college level. His teams have won more than 400 games, including conference, regional and district championships. Highlights include an appearance in an NAIA national tournament.
The Blue Knights won the 2013 NJCAA Region 13 Championship. That same year, Cross was named Region 13 Coach of the Year. The Blue Knights turned in back-to-back, 21-win seasons in 2013 and 2014. In 2014 and 2016, the team was Region 13 runner-up.
Tom Cross has coached nearly 30 All-Region players at DCTC as well as the program’s first NJCAA All-American in softball, Amanda Orrell in 2014.
Learn more about Head Coach Tom Cross by reading “Tom Cross Enters STA Athletic Hall of Fame” on DCTC News.
Learn more about NJCAA DII softball at DCTC by visiting GoBlueKnights.com or contacting:
Tom Cross
Head Softball Coach
651-423-8677
Marki Struensee
Athletic Coordinator
Academic & Financial Aid Advisor
Individualized Studies & Athlete Advising
651-423-8641
Schedule a Virtual Appointment
Virtual Walk-ins for Financial Aid, Admissions, or Advising (select at top of web page)
Learn more about NJCAA athletics at DCTC by visiting:
GoBlueKnights.com
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New Blue Knights: Arianna Chiarella • Jada Wolle • Molly Erickson
The Athletic department at Dakota County Technical College has announced three student-athletes from Minnesota are enrolling at the college fall semester 2021. Ari Chiarella, South St. Paul, Jada Wolle, New Brighton, and Molly Erickson, Maple Lake, have signed letters of intent to compete for the Blue Knights softball team.
Jada Wolle
Jada Wolle pitches for the Irondale High School Knights. Her parents are Marty and Sheila Wolle. Cassie Kelly is her coach in high school. Jada will major in Exercise & Sport Science at DCTC.
“Jada is an excellent pitcher with all the pitches,” said Tom Cross, Blue Knights head softball coach. “She is a workhorse on the mound. Jada will have a chance to give us valuable innings right away.”
Arianna Chiarella
Arianna Chiarella plays outfield for the South St. Paul High Packers. Her mother is Lindsay Chiarella. Paul Moen is her high school coach. Ari is interested in pursuing math studies at DCTC.
“Ari is an excellent athlete who can go get the ball in the outfield,” Coach Cross said. “She gets on base and can hit. Ari has a big upside in college.”
Molly Erickson
Molly Erickson serves as a designated hitter for the Maple Lake Irish. Molly can also can play catcher. Her parents are Brad and Dinah Erickson. Tim Knudsen is her high school coach. Molly is interested in studying Architectural Technology at DCTC.
“Molly has a good bat,” Coach Cross said. “She comes from an excellent program and will be a positive addition to our team.”
21 DCTC athletes continuing their education at colleges and universities in 10 states
Twenty-one student-athletes in five NJCAA sports at Dakota County Technical College are transferring to four-year colleges and universities to continue their education. Many will be going on to compete in their respective sports.
Baseball
Parker Savard
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario
Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School
Position: IF
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Major: Education
Learn more about Parker by reading The Sudbury Star news story:
“Savard ready for next step: Sudbury native to continue collegiate career at St. Cloud State”
Jonah Lewis
Hometown: Minnetrista, Minnesota
Minnetonka High School
Position: IF/P
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota
Major: Biology
Learn more about Jonah by reading the CSP Athletics article:
“Baseball announces three additions to 2021 signing class”
Henry Laue
Hometown: Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Mahtomedi High School
Position: 1B
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Major: Environmental Studies
Caleb Ditmarson*
Hometown: Willmar, Minnesota
Willmar High School
Position: P/UT
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Major: Pre-Law
Shane Brown
Hometown: Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Mahtomedi High School
Position: OF
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: University of Minnesota Morris, Morris Minnesota
Major: Undecided
Connor Merton
Hometown: Perth, Australia
Trinity College
Position: P
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota
Major: Sports Management
John McCaustlin
Hometown: Prior Lake, Minnesota
Prior Lake High School
Position: P
DCTC major: Business Administration
Transfer school: Saint Mary’s University, Winona Campus, Winona, Minnesota
Major: Business Management
Garrett Hoffman
Hometown: Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka High School
Position: C
DCTC major: Small Business Entrepreneur Certificate & Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota
Major: Business
Ethan Cernohous
Hometown: Bulverde, Texas
Smithson Valley High School
Position: UT/P
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: University of Pikeville, Pikeville, Kentucky
Major: Criminal Justice
Teddy Tauer*
Hometown: Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing High School
Position: P
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Major: Psychology
Basketball
Harlyn Owens II
Harlyn Owens II
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
St. Vincent Palotti High School
Position: G
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Minnesota State University Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota
Major: Sports Management
Learn more about Harlyn by reading the Minnesota State Mavericks article:
“Owens II Joins Minnesota State Men’s Basketball Team”
…and the DCTC News story:
“Student-Athlete Spotlight: Harlyn Owens II”
Daevonte Munson
Daevmonte Munson
Hometown: Roseville, Minnesota
Roseville High School
Position: G
DCTC major: Sports Management
Transfer school: Valley City State University, Valley City, North Dakota
Major: Sports Management
Learn more about Daevonte by reading the DCTC News story:
“DCTC Basketball Update”
Lorenzo Smith
Lorenzo Smith
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Minnehaha Academy
Position: P
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Waldorf University, Forest City, Iowa
Major: Sports Management
Learn more about Lorenzo by reading the Waldorf U Warriors article:
“Waldorf men’s basketball adds All-American, MVP and other star players in 2020 recruiting class”
…and the DCTC News story:
“DCTC Basketball Update”
Dashawn Walker
Dashawn Walker
Hometown: Harkers Heights, Texas
Harkers Heights High School
Position: F
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska
Major: Undecided
Learn more about Dashawn by reading the DCTC News story:
“DCTC Basketball Update”
Amitri Collins-Westlund
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Highland Park High School
Position: G
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Goal: Southern University System, Louisiana
Major: Undecided
Learn more about Amitri by reading the DCTC News story:
“DCTC Basketball Update”
Volleyball
Abigail Shaffer
Hometown: Merritt Island, Florida
Merritt Island High School
Position: L/DS
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: King University, Bristol, Tennessee
Major: Business
Anika Weber*
Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota
Lakeville North High School
Position: S/OPP
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, Wisconsin
Major: Business Administration Management
MacKenna Johnson*
Hometown: Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Grantsburg High School
Position: OPP
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota
Major: Business Administration
Softball
Bailey Larkin
Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota
High School
Position: OF/SS
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota
Major: Business Administration
Learn more about Bailey by reading “Bailey Larkin Signs with Mayville State” on GoBlueKnights.com
Kalley Partyka
Hometown: West St. Paul, Minnesota
Henry Sibley High School
Position: C
DCTC major: Business Administration
Transfer school: College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota
Major: Business Marketing
Men’s Soccer
Erick Fuentes
Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington Kennedy High School
Position: M
DCTC major: Individualized Studies
Transfer school: Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa
Major: Undecided
Learn more about Blue Knights NJCAA athletics at DCTC by contacting:
Marki Struensee
Athletic Coordinator
651-423-8641
* NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Award nominee
DCTC Announces Softball Recruits for 2024-2025 Season
March 07, 2024Blue 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!”
