June 23, 2025

Press conference introduction of new DSU softball head coach Hunter Lambdin 
MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State's athletics director Bud Postma is excited to announce the hiring of the new softball head coach, Hunter Lambdin.

"We are thrilled to welcome Hunter to the Trojan softball team," stated Postma.  "He brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the program.  Coach Lambdin's family background in coaching gives him a distinct advantage, as he understands the commitment required to lead a successful program—the long hours, dedicated practice, and detailed game preparation."

Lambdin comes from NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State where he was the softball assistant coach since July 2022.  His roles included recruiting, practice planning, game strategy, player development, academic monitoring, and scouting.  Additional duties included coordinating travel logistics, managing equipment needs, and participating in fundraising and community engagement efforts that support the athletics department and the university.

Lambdin received his Bachelor of Science degree in park and recreation management at Northwest Missouri State.  He began his coaching career as a student assistant under Bearcat baseball coach Darin 'Skip' Loe and Michael Creason.  In his first season in 2018, he assisted Northwest Missouri State baseball team to their 2018 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) championship. 

After graduating from Northwest Missouri State, Lambdin headed to his home state in southern California (native of Apple Valley, Calif. to join the baseball coaching staff at Victor Valley Community College as the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.

His coaching resume also included head baseball coach at Carolina Shores Collegiate Baseball League, LLC, where he was a two-time Coach of the Year.  He led his 2019 Little River Blue Crabs team to a CSCBL championship. 

"I am truly honored and extremely excited to join the Dakota State University athletic department," said Lambdin.  "My vision starts with helping each athlete improve their skills, learn a deeper understanding of the game, and continue to grow as individuals on and off the field.

"I'm eager to build relationships with the community of Madison and the DSU alumni where we can all celebrate our successes together," added Lambdin.  "I'm looking forward to contributing to the success of the team and coaching the program with assistant coach Jade Laviolette and graduate assistant Carrington Entringer. Finally, I would like to thank Bud [Postma] for the opportunity to lead our softball program."