Four South Dakotans named to USA Softball Hall of Fame

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Four South Dakotans will be inducted into the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport.

The 2026 class includes Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls for youth, Teri Schmidt of Sioux Falls as a contributor, Paul Kruse of Brookings for slow pitch, and David “Dave” Dickmeyer of Sioux Falls for slow pitch.

Pipgras is being honored for more than 30 years of developing youth softball programs statewide. Schmidt is recognized for helping bring more than 30 national championships to Sioux Falls during her career with the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Kruse is being inducted for his more than 30-year slow-pitch playing career, including a 1995 national championship. Dickmeyer is recognized for a slow-pitch career spanning five decades, including four South Dakota state championships with John’s Shoe Repair.

The inductees are being honored for their lasting impact on softball in South Dakota.

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