DAKOTA LAYERS & RAMSDELL FAMILY COMMIT LEAD GIFT FOR NEW SDSU WOMEN'S SOCCER FACILITY

BROOKINGS, S.D. -- South Dakota State University has announced a transformational leadership gift from Dakota Layers, LLC and the Ramsdell Family to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art home for the South Dakota State women's soccer program. Under the agreement, Dakota Layers will receive naming rights to the facility.

This commitment will enable SDSU to move its main competition facility from Fishback Soccer Park to a more centralized on-campus location. The move will enhance the student-athlete experience, boost recruiting efforts, and create a vibrant game-day atmosphere. The new facility will be located east of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on the corner of Jackrabbit Avenue and North Campus Drive.

"The incredible generosity from Dakota Layers and the Ramsdell Family marks a new era for our women's soccer program," said SDSU President Barry Dunn. "Their investment is a vote of confidence in our student-athletes and the future of Jackrabbit Athletics. Moving this facility on campus will integrate the team more fully with the university community and provide an exceptional home field advantage for years to come."

The new facility will provide the Jackrabbit women's soccer program with dedicated, purpose-built space, including a new competition pitch and support amenities. Some key features of this project include a state-of-the-art field, lighting, a new scoreboard, permanent grandstand and press box, as well as covered benches.

Scott Ramsdell, CEO of Dakota Layers, emphasized the family's commitment to community and opportunities for all. "The Ramsdell family and Dakota Layers are proud to support this essential project for South Dakota State University. SDSU has a rich history of women's athletics success. This gift is an investment in the young women who represent SDSU and will help the program reach new heights."

The leadership gift commitment is the largest in support of a women's only athletics initiative in the history of SDSU.

"We are deeply grateful for this gift," said Justin Sell, SDSU Director of Athletics. "It solves a crucial need for our soccer program and matches the standard for all Jackrabbit sports facilities. The future remains bright for Jackrabbit Athletics!"

The university will begin the design and planning process for the new location with the official name of the new facility to be announced at a later date. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents and the South Dakota Legislature.

For more information about supporting this project, please contact Ryan Christy, Associate Athletic Director for Development at (605) 697-7475 or visit www.BackTheJacks.com to learn more.

About Dakota Layers, LLC and the Ramsdell Family

Flandreau-based Dakota Layers began as a cooperative of about 100 investors in 2000 and was purchased by the Ramsdell family in 2015. The company and family have become synonymous with philanthropy, donating more than 5.4 million eggs to Feeding South Dakota since 2008. That includes an ongoing relationship with Jackrabbit Athletics in which Dakota Layers donates a dozen eggs for every free throw made by the men's and women's basketball teams.

The Ramsdell family's connection to South Dakota State University spans three generations, starting with James "Mick" Ramsdell attending the university on the G.I. Bill and earning a degree in agricultural education following his service in World War II. It was at SDSU that Mick met his future wife, Janet (Thorpe), and the couple's son, Scott, graduated in 1975 with a degree in economics and a minor in soils. Jason Ramsdell, Scott's son, attended SDSU from 2005-09, earning his degree in civil and environmental engineering, while his wife, Tracy, received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2010. Scott and Lani also have three daughters – Kari, Kelley, and Alison. Kari and Kelley own and manage their own agribusinesses in the region, while Alison most recently served as the 44th U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota.

Scott and his wife, Lani, were honored as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year by the South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

About South Dakota State University and Women's Soccer

Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state's largest and most comprehensive university, providing more than 180 programs of study. SDSU added women's soccer to its varsity sport lineup in 2000. The SDSU women's soccer program competes in The Summit League and has a consistent history of athletic and academic excellence. Jackrabbit soccer has reached nine NCAA Tournaments, won 16 championships (six regular season, ten tournament titles), and produced 131 All-Summit League honorees – including 55 first-team selections, 24 Summit League yearly award honors, and 17 NSCAA/USC All-Region selections, along with one All-American.

-GoJacks.com-

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DAKOTA LAYERS & RAMSDELL FAMILY COMMIT LEAD GIFT FOR NEW SDSU WOMEN'S SOCCER FACILITY

Upcoming Event: Women's Soccer at #5 Iowa on November 14, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Completed Event: Women's Soccer at #1 Oral Roberts on November 9, 2025 , Win , 2, to, 0

Completed Event: Women's Soccer versus #2 Denver on November 6, 2025 , Win , 1, to, 0

Completed Event: Women's Soccer versus #6 Omaha on November 1, 2025 , Win , 1, to, 0

Completed Event: Women's Soccer at Oral Roberts on October 26, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 2

Completed Event: Women's Soccer at Kansas City on October 23, 2025 , Tie , 1, to, 1

Completed Event: Women's Soccer at South Dakota on October 18, 2025 , Tie , 0, to, 0

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DAKOTA LAYERS & RAMSDELL FAMILY COMMIT LEAD GIFT FOR NEW SDSU WOMEN'S SOCCER FACILITY

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