SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League has hired Leah Daume as its Coordinator of Softball Umpires, Commissioner Josh Fenton announced Tuesday. Daume brings an assortment of knowledge in the softball officiating landscape to her new role.

“We are excited to welcome Leah Daume as Coordinator of Softball Umpires,” Fenton said. “Leah is a respected leader in the officiating space, and her experience, relationships and commitment to umpire development will be tremendous assets to our League. Through her leadership and our participation in the Midwest Umpire Consortium, our softball programs will benefit from enhanced umpire training, consistency and access to a strong pool of officials.”

Along with the Summit League, Daume currently serves as the softball assigner for the Missouri Valley Conference and the Western Athletic Conference. A veteran NCAA umpire, she has worked six Women’s College World Series, one NCAA Division III Championship, and numerous NCAA Super Regionals, Regionals and Power Four conference tournaments. In addition to extensive officiating experience, Daume has held leadership roles in collegiate recreation and sports administration, including nearly a decade as Intramural Sports Coordinator at St. Mary's University, where she oversaw program operations, student employee development and facility management while also teaching courses in the Exercise and Sports Science.

“The Summit League continues to rise in the collegiate softball landscape, and that momentum creates significant opportunities for our officiating community. With a system built on education, recruitment, and talent identification, I’m committed to helping maximize those opportunities for everyone involved—officials, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators,” Daume said. “I'm thankful for the confidence Commissioner Fenton, Assistant Commissioner Swanson and The Summit League have placed in me and look forward to the journey ahead!”

In her new role, Daume will oversee the hiring and training of officials for all Summit League softball games through participation in the Midwest Umpires Consortium.

Daume earned her bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University before completing her master's degree at the University of the Incarnate Word. She currently resides in McPherson, Kan.

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