​Jul. 14—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University softball has hired Renita “Toni” Closner as the program’s new head coach for the 2027 season.Closner replaces Stephen Oswald Jr., who resigned as DWU coach after one season in June. The Tigers compiled a 35-17 overall record, which was a program record for wins in a season. Closner will be DWU’s third head coach in three seasons to lead the Tigers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClosner has experience in the NAIA as both a player and coach at Peru State College (Neb.), which also marks her most recent position as the softball program’s head coach from September 2022 through the 2026 season.In four seasons as Peru State head coach, Closner’s teams were a combined 32-144 overall and 15-85 in conference play. The Bobcats were 11-29 last season, which was the best record in her four years leading the program.”As soon as I toured Mitchell, I knew it was home,” Closner said. “The community, the campus and the wonderful people at Dakota Wesleyan made it feel like a family. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled at this opportunity to continue adding on to the success this program has had and am looking forward to building relationships with the student athletes and campus community.”Prior to her time at Peru State, Closner served as the head softball coach for Lincoln Southeast High School (Neb.), alongside stints with Lincoln North Star High School, and club programs Nebraska Gold and Nebraska Nemesis. During her time as a player with the Bobcats, she was a four-year starter and an all-conference team selection. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from her alma mater.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”We are extremely fortunate to be able to add Coach Closner to the DWU family,” DWU athletic director Ross Cimpl said. “DWU softball has made history the past two seasons, and Closner’s experience in the NAIA is something we believe will help embrace and build upon this recent history. She made an immediate impact during the interview process, and we cannot wait for her to officially get started. The anticipation for this season is at an all-time high.”Closner will begin her duties on Monday, Aug. 3.