Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association

09/22/2026

Ahead of the Count: Navigating the New Era of Softball Recruiting

Sep 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM Central Time

Softball recruiting is changing—and athletes and families need a smarter strategy to stay ahead. Join Jess Daily and Rebecca Faulkner, current NCSA Softball Recruiting Coaches, for a live workshop designed to break down today’s recruiting landscape and help you understand what matters most when ...

09/20/2026

Meet the Board, Chad Quissell joins the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association Board this fall, bringing more than 15 years of slow‑pitch experience in men’s league and co‑ed church league.

His passion for youth sports grew during his decade with Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation, where he worked in youth and sports programming. That experience naturally evolved into coaching his two daughters in multiple sports — and this year, Chad launched the 10U Knight Fury, a grassroots competitive team built and led by parent coaches.

🥎 Chad joined the SEFSA Board to further his impact on players, coaches, the community, and visitors to Sioux Falls.

🔥 Chad is motivated to make a meaningful difference—whether by streamlining communication and resources for parents and coaches or helping kids grow on and off the diamond.

👥 Chad credits his men’s league teammates as his biggest softball mentors. They may not be the youngest or most athletic group, but they compete hard, have fun, and embody what he loves about sports: teamwork, effort, passion, resilience, and the life lessons that come with the game.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Chad's family includes his wife, Jenny, who works in the O’Gorman school system. Their daughters are Macie (10) loves softball and golf, and Hallie (7), who loves soccer — both coached by Chad.

Career-wise, Chad has 13+ years with the City of Sioux Falls; currently leads talent acquisition for Fire Rescue and Parks & Recreation.

⚾ Fun Fact: Chad is a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan (please forgive this flaw). He’s visited Fenway Park several times — and even named the family dog Wally.

09/14/2026

Meet the Board: Rick Graff

With more than six decades of involvement in softball, Rick Graff brings unmatched experience, perspective, and passion to the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association Board. Player, coach, umpire, mentor, organizer—Rick has lived the sport from every angle and remains a steady, influential presence in the Sioux Falls softball community.

🥎 Softball Journey: Rick has served on the SEFSA Board for 10 years and has been involved in softball since 1965. He began playing at age 4 and competed as a player for 27 years, primarily in fastpitch with two seasons of slow pitch.

His playing career is only the beginning of his USA/ASA softball involvement. Rick coached boys fastpitch for 4 years, spent 1 year as an assistant coach for a women’s slow pitch team, and then led that team as head coach for 15 years.

Rick also began umpiring at age 13 at Cherry Rock Park in the Hilltop League, now part of SEFSA. He continued umpiring league games while playing and coaching, and worked his first National Tournament in 1991. Over the years, he has umpired countless league and tournament games across multiple divisions.

🏆 Leadership & Organizational Involvement: Rick’s service extends far beyond SEFSA. He has contributed to nearly every corner of the sport, including youth fastpitch and slowpitch, women’s slow pitch, men’s slowpitch and fastpitch.

In addition to serving on the SEFSA Board, Rick is a member of the Sioux Falls People for Youth Board, an advisor for the Youth State Fastpitch Board, and a USA Softball South Dakota Deputy UIC for youth fastpitch in and around Sioux Falls.

Rick also helps with SEFSA tournaments, serves as the Ringneck Tournament Director, and this year was the USA Softball Northern Region 10U–18U National Tournament Director.

🔗 Connection to SEFSA
Rick was invited by a past SEFSA president to help develop and schedule umpires during a time when the league struggled to find enough officials. His leadership and reliability helped stabilize and strengthen SEFSA’s as well as USA SB SD umpire program.

💼 Professional Background
Rick owned and operated his own business as a Little Debbie Distributor for 25 years before retiring. Retirement didn’t last long — he now works part‑time as a valet at Avera Hospital, staying active and connected with the community.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family
Rick has two children, seven grandchildren, and two dogs, Sawyer and Ranger. His son played both fastpitch and slow pitch as a youth. His daughter loves the game and has supported her children as they’ve played slow pitch. His grandsons are now getting started in baseball and enjoying their early steps into the sport.

🍂 Fun Fact
When Rick isn’t on a softball diamond, you can find him in a field in the fall — hunting is his favorite way to unwind.

Rick enjoys talking softball, so say hi and be prepared to spend a few minutes discussing the game or your favorite hunt. Thank you, Rick, to SEFSA and to the USA Softball program.

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

Meet the Board: Katie Yungeberg

We're excited to introduce Katie Yungeberg, one of the newest members of the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association Board!

Katie brings a lifelong passion for softball to SEFSA. She has been involved in softball for more than 32 years, mainly as a slow-pitch player, and has also coached SEFSA teams for two years.

Professionally, Katie works as a Construction Accountant, bringing financial knowledge, attention to detail, and a practical perspective to the SEFSA Board.

She and her husband, Michael, are proud parents of their daughter, Lillian, who now shares the family's love of softball. Their household also includes two beloved dogs.

When asked why she joined the SEFSA Board, Katie shared, "I wanted to get more involved in the sport my daughter is playing."

What excites her most about SEFSA, Katie added: "It is the opportunity to help younger teams develop a love for the game and get excited about softball from an early age."

Away from the field, Katie enjoys spending quality time with her family and tackling puzzle projects.

Please join us in welcoming Katie to the SEFSA Board. We are grateful for her excitement for the sport and look forward to the positive impact she will make on our softball community!

09/04/2026

Meet the Board: Darin Freese, current VP, has served on the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association (SEFSA) Board for the past eight years, providing steady leadership and a strong commitment to the growth of recreational softball in the Sioux Falls community.

His involvement with SEFSA began when his daughter joined a recreational team, giving him an early and meaningful look at the positive impact the league has on young athletes and their families.
Impressed by the support and care his daughter received, Darin chose to give back to the organization. His dedication has remained unwavering ever since.

Darin joined the board when asked by Tom Reed “To give back to the organization that treated my daughter so well when she played in the league. I wanted to maintain a strong recreational softball program while supporting continued growth across the league.”

What inspires Darin about SEFSA: “Watching more than 200 athletes playing softball on a summer evening — a reflection of SEFSA’s volunteers, mission, and community dedication.”

Mentorship and Influence: Darin credits Tom Reed as a key mentor who guided him in understanding both the sport and SEFSA’s operations. Tom’s influence during his daughter’s playing years helped shape Darin’s approach to service and leadership within the organization.

Professional Background and Family: Darin and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 32 years and are the parents of two adult children, ages 28 and 23. Professionally, Darin has built a 33‑year career with the City of Sioux Falls Water Division, a role he describes as both enjoyable and rewarding.

Fun Fact
In his work with the Water Division, Darin climbs, maintains, and assists with painting Sioux Falls’ water towers. He notes that the view from the top of all four towers is nothing short of breathtaking.

When you see Darin out and about, thank him for his years on the board. Darin has done a ton of behind-the-scenes work: equipment manager, inventory, making sure there is equipment at the complexes, and usually the first on the scene and the last to leave at the tournaments. This year he chalked and put out bases at Dunham for a few weeks during the season.

Darin is pictured below on the left with past president Tom Reed, on the right.

09/03/2026

Registration is now open for the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association 2027 tournaments

SEFSA Carol Pipgras Summer Showdown Tournament
June 4th - 6th, 2027 - Sherman Park

SEFSA Denny Redmond Memorial Tournament
June 18th - 20th, 2027 - Sherman Park

SEFSA Tom Reed League Tournament
June 25th - 27th, 2027 - Sherman Park

Register online here

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08/31/2026

⭐ Meet the Board: Michelle Merrigan ⭐
Player • Coach • Parent • Volunteer

Michelle Merrigan joins the SEFSA Board this fall with 10+ years of experience across nearly every corner of the sport. From coaching Beresford High School and USA Softball summer teams to being a volunteer, even helping umpire youth games, while coaching and raising two athletes in the league, Michelle brings a full‑circle perspective to SEFSA.

Why She Joined the Board:
“To help support coaches teach players and be able to play in a competitive league that is affordable to all local families.”

What Drives Her:
Helping volunteers feel resourced so players can reach their full potential — and celebrating a league powered entirely by community passion.

Mentor Who Made an Impact:
Sydney Nelson — “She showed a true love for the game and a willingness to share her knowledge.”

Family & Career:
Michelle and her husband Shea have two daughters, Keely (20) and Kennedy (16). She brings strong leadership experience from:
• District Manager, Scooter’s Coffee (4.5 years)
• Managing Partner, Chili’s (19 years)
• Assistant Softball Coach, Beresford High School (3 years)

Fun Fact:
When she’s not on the diamond, Michelle loves to golf.

Please welcome Michelle Merrigan to the SEFSA Board. If you see her out and about, stop and talk softball.