October 30, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University Athletics has announced the softball coaches' changes as Hunter Lambdin departed for a job opportunity at other collegiate sports institution.
"First and foremost, we want to wish Hunter the very best as he beings this exciting new chapter in his career," said DSU Athletics Director
Bud Postma. "We appreciate his contributions to Dakota State University and wish him continued success."
Jade Laviolette, who served as an assistant coach at Dakota State for the past two seasons, will now take over as the head coach for the Trojan softball program. She joined the DSU softball coaching staff after serving as the pitching coach at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kan., during the fall of 2023.
"We are excited to welcome Jade into the role of head softball coach at Dakota State University," said Postma. "Over the past two years, Jade has gained valuable experience, learned the many intricacies of coaching, and prepared herself for this opportunity. She is ready to take this next step, and I'm excited to see her grow, lead, and excel in this role."
"Please join us in wishing Hunter the best and welcoming Jade as she leads our softball program into the future, Go Trojans!", added Postma.
Prior to her collegiate coaching career, Laviolette spent two seasons coaching at Northwood High School. During both seasons, Northwood captured conference championships, providing Laviolette with experience working with championship-caliber programs.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Laviolette began her collegiate softball career at NCAA Division II Urbana University (Ohio), where she played for three seasons. Following the university's closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, she transferred to Miami University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in humanities.
Laviolette continued her collegiate softball career as a member of the Miami University-Hamilton softball program for two seasons. During her fifth and final collegiate season, she helped lead the Harriers to a top-10 national ranking in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Miami-Hamilton also earned an appearance in the USCAA Small College World Series, where Laviolette was selected to the All-Tournament Team for her performance on the national stage.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Laviolette excelled academically throughout her collegiate career, earning Academic All-American honors during her five years of college softball.
Mikaela Pamplona will serve as Laviolette's assistant after being a graduate assistant last season. She will complete her master's degree in business administration at Dakota State University this spring.
Pamplona played collegiate softball as the catcher for Folsom Lake College (Calif.), where she received her associate's degree. Then she played for the University of Saint Katherine (Calif.) in her junior year and transferred to Whitter College (Calif.) in her final year. She graduated from Whitter College with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
