SPEARFISH, S.D.- Black Hills State University head softball coach, Ashlyn Englehorn, announced on Tuesday afternoon the promotion of Sam Woodley to associate head coach. Woodley will begin her third season with the Yellow Jackets in 2027.

"I am thrilled to announce Coach Woodley's promotion to associate head coach," exclaimed Englehorn. "Sam has been crucial to the growth and development of our program over the last two seasons. She has bought into the vision of the program and elevated our student athletes to compete well in the RMAC. She has been involved in every aspect of the program, and I'm excited to watch her step into this role and continue her coaching journey in The Hills!"

Since joining the Yellow Jackets staff in 2024, Woodley has helped guide BHSU to a 51-58 record that included the best season in Yellow Jacket program history where they went 27-27 and made the RMAC tournament for the first time since joining D2. During her time here, Yellow Jackets have set over 20 team records and have had over 30 different top ten single-season marks set.

Woodley has been the primary defense coach and specifically spent a lot of time working with catchers. During her two years here, she has developed All-RMAC Second-Team Catcher Desi Hernandez, and All-RMAC Honorable Mention Carli Maley. Over the past two years, her catchers have combined for 33 caught stealing and only two errors over two years at the catching position.