University of Sioux Falls Athletics

Layne Somsen, a native of Yankton, S.Dd., enters his first season as an assistant coach for USF. Somsen graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Health Science, and played for the Jackrabbits from 2008-2013. He will serve as a pitching coach for the Cougars.

After his senior season at SDSU, Somsen was named Summit League Pitcher of the Year posting a 4-5 record with a 1.87 ERA in 91.1 innings pitched. Somsen struck out 91 batters, while holding opponents to a .196 batting average. He finished his career ranked fourth on the school’s all-time list in games started (38), strikeouts (180) and innings pitched (215).

Upon graduation, Somsen was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 22nd round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He has steadily worked his way through the Reds’ farm system, finishing the year in AAA Louisville. He has fanned 164 batters and holds a career 1.17 WHIP in the Minor Leagues. Somsen currently resides in Sioux Falls, with his wife, Katherine.