The South Dakota State women’s soccer team will move to a new on-campus facility thanks to a leadership gift from a local company and family.
The project will move the team from the off-campus Fishback Soccer Park, located 2.5 miles from campus, to a location near the main athletics complex.
According to a news release from the SDSU athletic department, the gift is the largest in the university’s history for a women’s-only athletics project. University officials say the move is a critical step to elevate the program by enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Flandreau-based Dakota Layers, a regional egg producer, and the Ramsdell family are the lead donors. Scott Ramsdell, chief executive officer of Dakota Layers, said the gift reflects the family’s long-standing commitment to supporting opportunities for women athletes.
“The Ramsdell family and Dakota Layers are proud to support this essential project for South Dakota State University,” Ramsdell said in a statement. “This gift is an investment in the young women who represent SDSU and will help the program reach new heights.”
SDSU President Barry Dunn said the gift is the beginning of a “new era” for the women’s soccer program, allowing the team to better integrate with the university community.
“Their investment is a vote of confidence in our student-athletes and the future of Jackrabbit Athletics,” Dunn said.
The new facility will feature a dedicated competition pitch, lighting, a new scoreboard, a permanent grandstand, a press box and covered benches. It will be located at the corner of Jackrabbit Avenue and North Campus Drive, east of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
“We are deeply grateful for this gift,” SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell said. “It solves a crucial need for our soccer program and matches the standard for all Jackrabbit sports facilities.”
With the gift secured, the university will begin the design and planning process. While Dakota Layers has received naming rights, the stadium’s official name will be announced later. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents and the South Dakota Legislature.
