DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State head softball coach Kristen Fleury has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Coach of Character Award.
The award recognizes Fleury's commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative and her demonstration of leadership, integrity, service, respect and responsibility.
Fleury has spent 16 years at Dickinson State, building a successful softball program while making an impact throughout the university and Dickinson community.
She has guided the Blue Hawks to more than 500 victories, nine conference championships and 11 NAIA National Championship appearances. Fleury's accomplishments have also earned her Dickinson State's Outstanding Achievement Award for Career Success to a Graduate and North Dakota Sportswriters Coach of the Year honors for women's athletics.
Fleury also serves as Dickinson State's associate athletic director. She assists with departmental budgeting, fundraising, eligibility compliance, staff development and game-day administration while serving on the university's executive budget and scholarship committee.
She has played a key role in fundraising efforts for Dickinson State's $10 million softball complex and works closely with the DSU Heritage Foundation and Office of Financial Aid on scholarship initiatives.
Fleury's commitment to student-athlete development extends beyond competition. She organizes educational opportunities for coaches and student-athletes in areas including mental health awareness, Title IX and NAIA eligibility. She also teaches a graduate course on fundraising and social media, serves on Dickinson State's retention committee and mentors coaches across campus.
Community service has remained a central part of Fleury's program. The Blue Hawks regularly volunteer in local schools, support Dickinson Diamonds Youth Softball and assist with community fundraising events. Members of the program have also volunteered in preparation for the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Fleury has helped advance gender equity at Dickinson State, including overseeing the development of the university's new softball complex and working to support Title IX compliance in facilities, scholarships and scheduling.
At the conference and national levels, Fleury has served as a conference and national softball rater, acted as a liaison between Frontier Conference coaches and athletic directors and assisted with umpire coordination for conference championship events.
Dickinson State Athletic Director Pete Stanton praised Fleury's impact on the university and athletic department.
"Kristen has been an instrumental figure in the success of the Dickinson State Athletic Department," Stanton said. "In addition to her successful coaching, she has many roles as an outstanding administrator in dealing with budgets, eligibility and game-day management.
"Kristen has high expectations for her team on and off the field," Stanton added. "They have a strong connection with the Dickinson community with many volunteer activities. She deserves this award, and her dedication to Dickinson State is admirable."
The Frontier Conference Coach of Character Award recognizes coaches who exemplify the NAIA Champions of Character values through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to developing student-athletes in competition and in life.
