DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson State Athletics announced the 2025 Blue Hawk Booster Club award winners on Tuesday, with long time DSU staff members Kristen Fleury and Jason Watson being honored this year. Fleury will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award, while Watson will receive the Honorary Letterman Award.

The award winners will be honored at halftime of the Blue Hawk football game against Montana Tech on November 8th, and at the BAC starting at 6:00 pm that night.

KRISTEN FLEURY – OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Kristen Fleury is in her 16th season as head softball coach at Dickinson State University, where she has established the Blue Hawks as one of the top programs in the NAIA. Since taking over in 2009, Fleury has led DSU to 473 wins, eight conference tournament titles, and ten appearances in the NAIA National Tournament.

A former All-Conference third baseman for the Blue Hawks, Fleury returned to her alma mater with a commitment to sustained excellence. In 2015, she was named NDAPSSA Female Team Coach of the Year after guiding DSU to a conference championship, an Opening Round title, and the program's first NAIA World Series berth. Her teams are known for their postseason success, including a 2024 conference tournament title as a No. 3 seed and a 29–16 overall finish in 2025.

In addition to multiple Conference Coach of the Year honors, Fleury has coached numerous all-conference, all-region, and NAIA Scholar-Athletes. She also serves as Associate Athletic Director, supporting the broader success of Blue Hawk Athletics.

Originally from San Jose, California, Fleury holds a Master's Degree in Human Performance and Physical Education from Adams State University. She remains dedicated to developing student-athletes who excel in competition, in the classroom, and beyond graduation.

"Kristen has always had a strong and meaningful presence at Dickinson State. She began her journey as a standout player on some of the most successful softball teams in Blue Hawk history, later transitioning into a coaching role, first as an assistant and then as head coach. Her accomplishments on the field speak for themselves: multiple conference championships, nearly 500 wins, and several appearances at the national tournament," said Athletic Director Pete Stanton.

"Equally impressive is the leadership she brings as an administrator. Kristen was instrumental in the development and completion of the Sanford Sports Complex. Her passion, dedication, and insight continue to elevate our department and the university as a whole. We are truly fortunate to have her serving both as a coach and a leader within Blue Hawk Athletics."

JASON WATSON – HONORARY LETTERMAN AWARD
Jason Watson joined Dickinson State in August 2011 as head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and instructor in the Physical Education department. He led the Blue Hawk baseball program for seven seasons and spent four years on the football coaching staff, contributing to the success and development of DSU Athletics during that time.

In 2018, Watson transitioned into facility operations, taking on the role of Coordinator for the Biesiot Activities Center (BAC). He has also served two stints as Sports Information Director, showcasing his versatility and commitment to supporting Blue Hawk student-athletes and programs in multiple capacities.

Currently, Watson oversees operations at both the Sanford Sports Complex and the BAC. His responsibilities include gameday management, event scheduling, and ensuring the smooth execution of athletic contests and special events. His behind-the-scenes leadership has played a vital role in elevating the quality and consistency of DSU gameday experiences.

A native of Boscobel, Wisconsin, Watson is a passionate Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He and his wife, Brittney, have two children, Tenley (7) and Maddux (5), along with their chocolate labs, Oakley Aaron Rodgers Watson (11) and Ken Griffey Jr. "Griff" Watson (1).

"Jason is a dedicated Blue Hawk supporter whose presence is felt at every Dickinson State event. He plays a crucial role in organizing activities at the Biesiot Activities Center and other university functions," said Stanton.

"His passion for Dickinson State runs deep, dating back to his time as our baseball coach. Jason and his family's commitment to the university is truly impressive and deeply appreciated. He consistently takes on behind-the-scenes responsibilities that are vital to the success of Blue Hawk Athletics, many of which go unnoticed but make a significant impact."