The University of Sioux Falls has announced the hiring of Tommy Downs as head coach of Cougar Softball in June 2025, bringing a proven track record of transforming programs and developing championship-caliber teams.
Downs arrives at USF fresh off a remarkable three-year tenure at Dakota Wesleyan University, where he engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent GPAC history. Under his leadership, the Tigers achieved their best season in program history with 34 wins in 2025 and earned their first conference playoff berth in a decade.
During his time at Dakota Wesleyan, Downs' impact was immediate and comprehensive. His teams didn't just win games – they rewrote the record books, shattering 32 school records across offensive categories including hits (505), runs (301), RBIs (249), home runs (50), triples (21), doubles (102), stolen bases (98), and team batting average (.346). The Tigers' pitching staff also set a new ERA record of 3.15. Perhaps most impressively, his student-athletes excelled academically, with the team ranking 20th nationally in GPA and first in the GPAC conference with a collective 3.7 GPA.
Before revitalizing Dakota Wesleyan, Downs orchestrated an equally impressive transformation at Embry-Riddle University in Prescott, Arizona. In his tenure from 2020-2022, he guided the Eagles to a remarkable 42-8 record while earning the program's first-ever national ranking, peaking at No. 23 in the NAIA Softball Poll. His teams also captured a conference championship and defeated seven of nine top-25 opponents they faced.
His Eagles set new standards for excellence, establishing school records with a dominant 1.16 team ERA and .374 team batting average. The program achieved additional milestones including a perfect game, eight shutouts, three no-hitters (all school records), and ranked 7th nationally in triples and batting average against.
Downs brings more than 20 years of coaching experience across multiple levels, from high school and club programs to collegiate competition. As a former professional hitting instructor, he has mentored student-athletes from NCAA Division I programs through NAIA and junior college levels, developing a reputation as both a skilled tactician and mentor.
Adding to his credibility, Downs had a successful 20-season amateur baseball career that included a tryout with the Kansas City Royals organization and competition in four state championship games and two super regionals – experience that provides him with a deep understanding of high-stakes competition from a player's perspective.
