
NEW ORLEANS — Dickinson State University assistant coach Tanner Gust has been named the 2025 NAIA National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The honor comes on the heels of a historic season for the Blue Hawk women's track & field program, which finished a program-best fourth at the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Marion, Indiana. Gust, now in his third season at Dickinson State, played a pivotal role in that success, guiding the throwing corps to national prominence.
Under Gust's leadership, Blue Hawk throwers produced three All-American performances at the national meet and dominated throughout the season. His group earned the No. 1 national ranking in the USTFCCCA #EventSquad Rankings for the discus, while also finishing No. 2 in both the shot put and hammer throw.
"Tanner's work ethic is second to none. He truly loves track and field and is a student of the sport," said DSU Head Coach Shayne Wittkopp. "His group of athletes are model students and competitors."
The award was determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches following the conclusion of the national championships. Only individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible.