This prestigious accolade is a coaches vote based on the achievements of their colleagues both during regular- and post-season competition.

Danklefsen was selected as the 2024 Softball Coach of the Year after leading the Thunder to both the regular-season title with a 14-2 conference record and the MIAA Softball Tournament crown.  Trine is currently in the midst of the NCAA Tournament in which the squad has claimed its third-straight regional title.  The Thunder will host Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the Super Regionals, May 23-24, in Angola, Indiana.

"Being named coach of the year is an honor but it really means your players have bought into the success of the team," commented Danklefsen.  "They are playing for each other and not for individual awards and, because of that, they have won five-straight MIAA Championships.  I am very proud of them and honored to be the Head Softball Coach at Trine University.  Thank you to a very prestigious senior class; because of them our staff has been honored.  Additionally, thanks to our players and coaching staff for making this happen.  Any award is a group effort and this is a nod to everyone's hard work."

Under the leadership of Danklefsen, eight players were selected to 2024 All-MIAA Teams including four-time All-MIAA honoree Ellie Trine and two-time honorees Scarlett Elliott, Debbie Hill and Alexis Michon.

Since taking over the program in 2004, the 2003 Trine alum's teams have appeared in the NCAA Regionals thirteen-consecutive times, capturing five Regional titles and three Super-Regional championships.  Prior to winning the NCAA Division III Softball Championship in 2023, the 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2022 campaigns saw the team reach the championship.  Along the way, Danklefsen has led Trine to a 637-199 record.