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Softball Coaching Staff
Head Softball Coach: Ken Prorok
Prorok, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, enters his seventh season as the Head Softball coach for the Trojans and his eighth with the program. Since his arrival in 2006, the Trojan offense has made great improvements setting eight different single season team records.
During the 2008 season, the Trojans managed to be perfect at home outscoring their opponents 32-1. The 2008 squad also set single season records for walks (138) and home runs (28). In 2007, the Trojans found themselves ranked regionally for six consecutive weeks before losing five of their final six games. In 2006, Prorok's first year with the program the team opened the season 15-5 en route to setting five different single season team records; runs scored (239), RBI's (221), batting average (.334), on-base percentage (.395), and stolen bases (82).
He has been with the university's athletic department for thirteen seasons, from 2001-2005 he served as the Associate Head Baseball Coach for the Trojans where he helped guide them to three straight regional appearances and two Super Regional appearances. During his tenure with the baseball team, the Trojans were ranked nationally three times and had an amazing 23 All-Conference selections and 5 players receive All-American recognition.
Prorok played competitive fast pitch for 14 years. His teams qualified for 12 State Tournaments (1991-1999, 2006-2008), four A.S.A. Regional Tournaments (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2006), and four N.A.F.A. World Series events (1996, 1998 and 2006, 2007). Prorok was also selected to two Metro All-Star teams in 1997 and 1998 when he hit .457 and .449 respectively.
In addition to his softball duties, Prorok also serves as an instructor in the college of education.
Coaching Career Highlights:
- Head Coach (Softball): Dakota State University: 2006 - Present: 53-72
- Coached against Team USA, as part of the "Bound 4 Beijing" tour, losing 4-0, July 2008
- Associate Head Coach (Softball): Dakota State University: 2005 - 2006: 20-26
- Associate Head Coach (Baseball): Dakota State University: 2001 - 2005: 109-84 / 2003 & 2005 Region Champions
- Associate Head Coach: Legion Post # 15 - East Sioux Falls, SD: 2004: 41-14 / State Champions
- Head Coach: Legion Post #114 - Volga, SD: 2002: 15-8
- Associate Head Coach: Columbus High School: 1997: 32-8 / Ranked 10th in the state
Assistant Softball Coach: Betsy Westermann
Westermann a native of Duvall, Wash., enters her first season as an assistant coach with the Trojan softball program.
A 2009 graduate of Jamestown College, she was a three-year starter for the Jimmies as a middle infielder. During her career, she earned All-Conference and Gold Glove honors for her work on the field as a second baseman.
Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Westermann completed her graduate work while serving as an assistant at NCAA Division II Northern State University (S.D.). While at Northern, she served as the Wolves infielders coach; upon completing her graduate work, she then spent the 2012 campaign at NCAA Division II Black Hills State University (S.D.) where she served as the team's strength and conditioning coach, infielder's coach and assistant recruiting coordinator.
"Betsy brings a passion for the game with her, she is relentless in her approach and is passionate about coaching. I look forward to working with her during her career here at Dakota State University," stated head coach Ken Prorok.
While serving as an assistant for the Trojans, Westermann will serve as the team's infield coach, camp/fundraising coordinator, as well as the assistant recruiting coordinator.
"I am excited about the opportunity to serve as an assistant coach for the Trojans. I look forward to working with coach Prorok and helping him meet the goals he has set for the program." added Westermann.
Volunteer Assitant Softball Coach: Leslie Neiman
Neiman a native of Elkhorn, Neb. is entering her first season as an volunteer assistant for the Trojans softball program.
A 2008 graduate of Elkhorn High School and a member of a four-time state championship team. Neiman became a four-year letter winner for the Trojans, as she earned Gold Glove honors in 2010 posting a .980 fielding percentage while recording 241 put-outs at first base. During her career she played the outfield, first base, and second base for the Trojans.
While serving as an assistant for the Trojans, Neiman will work with outfielders and base runners.
"During her playing career Leslie was diligent and loyal to the program, I am pleased to have her as a member of our staff while she finishes her degree." stated head coach Ken Prorok.
