USA Softball South Dakota Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has named four inductees to its 2026 Hall of Fame class.

Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls (Youth), honored for more than 30 years as the state’s Youth Deputy.

Teri Schmidt of Sioux Falls (Contributor), recognized for over four decades of support through Visit Sioux Falls.

Paul Kruse of Brookings (Slow Pitch), a standout on top men’s teams for more than 20 years.

David “Dave” Dickmeyer of Sioux Falls (Slow Pitch), regarded as one of the state’s premier infielders.

The Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Saturday, October 10 at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls Downtown City Center. For tickets or information, contact

Mike Dykstra at 605‑212‑3139 or kdykstra@sio.midco.net.

Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has announced the selection of Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026, honoring more than 30 years of exceptional leadership and service to youth softball across the state.

Pipgras has been one of the most influential figures in the history of South Dakota youth softball. Her career spans local, state, regional, and national levels, marked by innovations that reshaped tournament play and expanded opportunities for thousands of young athletes.

Pipgras began her involvement as a coach and manager in women’s and co‑ed slow-pitch before helping establish youth slow-pitch in Sioux Falls in 1989. On January 1, 1994, longtime State Commissioner Bill Maher appointed her ASA South Dakota Youth Deputy Commissioner — a role she has held for more than three decades.

As Deputy Commissioner, Pipgras built a statewide volunteer network that supported both Youth Slow-pitch and Youth Fastpitch State Tournaments. Under her leadership, participation grew to more than 300 teams on state tournament weekends. She introduced the 3‑game guarantee in youth slow-pitch and the 4/5‑game guarantee in youth fastpitch, formats unmatched anywhere else in the country. She also guided the transition to a three‑class fastpitch system and worked to preserve boys’ slow-pitch opportunities in South Dakota.

Her influence extended nationally. Over 30 years, Pipgras attended nearly every ASA/USA National Meeting and JO Workshop, serving on the Region 11 Youth Commissioner Council, Special Events Committee, Tournament & Awards Committee, and the National Junior Olympic Committee. She was frequently selected as an ASA/USA National Tournament Representative and played key roles in national events hosted in Sioux Falls.

Locally, Pipgras has been a longtime member of the Sioux Falls People Youth board, contributing to the Ringneck Tournament and every youth fastpitch national tournament held in the city. She also co‑founded the South Dakota Softball Scholarship Program with Jerry Mason, which now awards up to six $1,000 scholarships annually.

“Carol Pipgras embodies the very best USA Softball South Dakota,” said former commissioner Gary Young. “Her vision and commitment have shaped opportunities for generations of young athletes. Her impact is profound and unquestionably worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.”

“Carol and her crew made a lot of friends throughout the state,” said USA Softball SD President Gerry Bills. “She loved every child who came through the program and loved seeing them succeed. She will always be part of our South Dakota softball family.”

“Carol has been a mentor to countless players, coaches, and community leaders,” added youth board member Molly Scherff. “Her impact on the softball community is lasting.”

USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Carol Pipgras on her well‑deserved induction into the USA Softball Hall of Fame, Now and Forever; Class of 2026.

Sioux Falls, SD – Teri Schmidt, longtime leader of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Experience Sioux Falls), has been elected to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.

Schmidt spent more than 40 years advancing Sioux Falls as a national softball destination, helping secure more than 30 ASA/USA Softball national championships—nearly 65 when including multi‑division events. Her work brought teams from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, including one of the largest tournaments in ASA/USA history with 168 teams.

Hired in 1983 to build the CVB from the ground up, Schmidt grew the organization to a staff of 25 with a $3 million annual budget and more than $400 million in cumulative economic impact. Major softball events routinely generated $1–1.5 million for the city, and her advocacy helped drive continued investment in facilities such as Sherman Park.

A former teacher, Schmidt became a champion for volunteers and youth sports, working alongside leaders including Roger Utley, John Jucht, Carol Pipgras, Dave Nielsen, Don Wylie, Ken Anderson Jr., and State Commissioner Bill Maher. Her broader contributions include work with South Dakota Special Olympics, Pheasant Fest, the Sioux Falls Convention Center, and Winter Wonderland at Falls Park.

“Teri Schmidt fundamentally changed the trajectory of softball in South Dakota,” said nominator Gary Young. Additional praise came from Dave Nielsen and Kim Venard, who credited her leadership and promotional efforts with elevating the sport statewide.

USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Schmidt on her induction into the Hall of Fame, Now and Forever; Class of 2026.

Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has announced that Paul Kruse of Brookings has been selected for induction into the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Kruse’s career spans more than 30 years and is marked by championships, versatility, and a competitive edge that made him one of the state’s most respected players.

Kruse began playing in 1994 with Chevy’s Lounge in Brookings before joining top programs across the state, including Sports Connection, Taco Bell, Cubbies, Chuk n Duk, Sanford Power, and River Ridge. He concluded his open‑division career in 2023 and continues to compete with the Sioux Falls Hitmen senior team.

A champion at every level, Kruse helped lead teams to South Dakota Open titles with Cubbies (2003), Chuk n Duk (2004–2007), and Sanford Power (2008–2011). Nationally, he won the 1995 ASA E National Championship with Taco John’s and made multiple ASA B National appearances, highlighted by a 5th‑place finish in 2005. He also starred in the 2006 Owatonna B Division Labor Day Nationals, playing six positions during a 10–1 championship run.

Known for his defensive excellence on the mound, Kruse earned praise from peers and Hall of Famers alike. Nominator Steve Tyler called him “one of the top players in the state for 20 years,” while JC Crawford noted his talent was “equal, if not better, than any other player on the field.”

Kruse also served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1988–1997, including deployment during the Gulf War.

USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Paul Kruse on his Hall of Fame induction.

• Jeff Oltmanns, nominator: “A 3‑sport athlete at SFC, Dave started playing softball after his collegiate career, beginning with big ball. He played for the two state powerhouses at the time, Sioux Falls Merchants and John’s Shoe Repair. As a team member, he helped lead those squads to many league championships and state titles.”
• Jack Kolbeck, USA Softball SD Hall of Fame Member: “Dave played softball with heart. Besides being a competitor, Dave would always step up and help coach the teams he played on. His passion for the game was relentless.”