WASHINGTON – Flanked by a championship photo of the Trine University softball team, Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana's 3rd District congratulated the program on capturing the 2025 NCAA Division III Softball Championship.
 "Trine University women's softball continues to make Indiana's third district proud, as this is their second national title in three years. Their perfect postseason is a testament to the hard work and talent of this team. These women have set an example for all of us as the achievements that are possible with unwavering dedication and strong leadership," said Stutzman from the floor of the United States Capitol Building, "To the 2025 Trine University softball team, congratulations on this monumental accomplishment."
Thursday's congratulations come a few weeks after the Thunder captured the championship by sweeping Virginia Wesleyan University. Game two came right down to the wire, with Alexis Michon, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, pitching through an early injury to hold the opposition to just one run on two hits. That lone run came in the first inning with Trine trailing until the sixth. Emma Lee came up with a three-run homer to give the team its final lead.
Head Coach Donnie Danklefsen, and his staff, were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Coaching Staff of the Year following the conclusion of the season. It is Danklefsen's 21st year at the helm, he is the only coach in during Trine's NCAA Division III history. He ends this season with an overall record of 684-206 and a .769 winning percentage. The Thunder have reached the championship series three of the past four seasons and has reached the final site in six of the past 11 tournaments.
Danklefsen, Michon and Lee were all mentioned as part of Stutzman's remarks.
