Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is excited to introduce two new head coaches for the Lumberjacks.

Richard “Rich” Brouwer Named Head Women's Hockey Coach

Dakota College at Bottineau has named Richard “Rich” Brouwer as Head Coach of the Jacks Women's Hockey program. Brouwer brings more than 50 years of hockey experience as a player, coach, and hockey director.

A former national champion player at Rochester Institute of Technology and a championship-winning coach with the Carolina Junior Hurricanes, Brouwer most recently served as an assistant coach with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings of the USPHL Premier. He also spent six seasons leading the University of North Carolina Wilmington's ACHA Division II program, earning ACC Hockey League Premier Division Coach of the Year honors in 2024-25.

A USA Hockey Level 5 Master Coach, Brouwer is committed to developing student-athletes through integrity, accountability, strong work ethic, and team culture while continuing to build the DCB women's hockey program.

Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Named Head Baseball Coach

Dakota College at Bottineau has also named Ronnie Palmer as Head Coach of the Lumberjack Baseball program. Palmer brings more than 28 years of collegiate athletics experience as both a coach and athletics administrator.

Throughout his career, Palmer has built successful programs at institutions including Salem Community College and Davis & Elkins College, where he became the all-time winningest baseball coach at both schools. His experience also includes leadership roles as Athletic Director at several colleges and coaching collegiate summer league teams to multiple playoff appearances.

Palmer joined DCB in August 2026 and will oversee all aspects of the NJCAA Division II baseball program. His focus will be on player development, recruiting, accountability, and the creation of a positive culture that prepares student-athletes for success both on and off the field.

Pre-season training has started, and Casey Pierson has been pleased with their performance thus far. “I’m very excited to welcome both coaches to our DCB family. Both bring extensive experience in their respective sports,” said Pierson. “I feel that they are both great additions who will help DCB Athletics grow and improve, and I think I speak for everyone when I say we are excited to see their teams compete.”