SPEARFISH, S.D.- Black Hills State University head women's softball coach Ashlyn Englehorn announced the signing of two student-athletes as part of the 2026 signing class on Wednesday morning which includes Bryton Dawes (West Jordan, Utah) and Sydnie Snook (Erie, Colo.). Dawes will play her senior season in the Spring and Snook just finished her senior season. Both girls will join BHSU in the Fall.

"This week we get to celebrate two additions to our program that represent the next generation of Yellow Jackets," Coach Englehorn exclaimed. "These two student athletes embody our program's values both on and off the field. They both bring unique strengths that will continue to elevate the standard of excellence within BHSU Softball as we build on the momentum from recent seasons. We are thrilled to officially welcome these talented young women to the Yellow Jacket family and look forward to the impact they will make beginning next Fall."
 
Bryton Dawes // Pitcher/Utility // 6'0" // South Jordan, Utah // Copper Hills H.S.
Dawes was a three-year starter for Will Yazzie's squad at Copper Hills and ended up pitching a career-high 88 innings in her junior season. She had 6 wins and 10 losses while striking out 54. She took 82 at bats and had a .411 on-base percentage and a .366 batting average with 21 RBIs. She was named team MVP and earned an All-State in class 6A. Her sophomore year, she went 7-5 in 62 innings and had 52 strikeouts and was named All-Region Honorable Mention. She pitched 27 innings in her freshman season and had 26 strikeouts. In club season for the Utah Freakz she pitched 94 innings, had a 3.7 ERA and had 54 strikeouts while going 14-4 en route to help her team finish third in the AFA Nationals and compete in the PGF Nationals. Academically, she was named to the honor roll. Dawes is the daughter of Natalie and Shane Dawes and has one sibling, Braxton.
 
Coach Englehorn's Thoughts: " Bryton impressed us both on and off the field when we met her. She dominated the circle and her personality really meshed well within our team dynamic. She has the ability to compete well in the RMAC and will elevate our pitching staff over the course of her career in the green and gold!"

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Sydnie Snook // Third Base/Shortstop // 5'9" // Erie, Colo. // Erie H.S.
Snook finished her high-school career with a All-State Honorable Mention and a First Team All-Conference performance. After starting her final three years for Ryan Sanchez's team, Snook put up a career-high 30 RBIs and .457 batting average her senior season with a .733 slugging and a .510 on-base percentage. She improved every year with her having a .427 batting average in her sophomore season, which led her to a All-Conference Honorable Mention and helped her team finish runner-up in the state tournament. She also had a .407 average as a freshman. She finished her career with 77 RBIs, 1.149 OPS, .427 batting average, and a.475 on-base percentage. She played for Colorado Stars. Sydnie is the daughter of Chris and Stacie Snook and has one sister, Josslyn.
 
Coach Englehorn's Thoughts: "Sydnie came out this Fall and we immediately felt like she would be a great addition to our program and community. She is a dynamic player who understands and plays the game at a high level. She commands the field and is a versatile athlete who will do great things for us having experience competing with and against athletes in the RMAC."