Fargo South Names David Benson Softball Coach

Benson takes over the Fargo South softball program, succeeding co-head coaches Paige Sims and Kayla Kraft.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Softball

Fargo South Names David Benson Softball Coach

Fargo South has hired David Benson as its head softball coach, replacing co-head coaches Paige Sims and Kayla Kraft. The school announced the hiring on Thursday following an interview process.

Why it matters

The hire fills the leadership role for the Fargo South softball program after a change in coaching staff. Benson's background coaching baseball and serving as an assistant on the South girls basketball team gives him experience within the same school athletic community.

Benson has three seasons of assistant coaching experience with the South girls basketball team. Paige Sims served as primary head coach in 2025, and the source does not report team win-loss records or program statistics under either coach.

The players

David Benson

Benson is a Fargo-area educator and coach who teaches at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School and has coaching experience in baseball and girls basketball.

Paige Sims

Sims was the primary head coach of the Fargo South softball program during the 2025 season before the program moved to a co-head coaching arrangement.

Kayla Kraft

Kraft served as co-head softball coach at Fargo South alongside Paige Sims prior to the hiring of David Benson.

The details

Fargo South announced Thursday that David Benson will lead its softball program. Benson, a Brainerd, Minnesota native who attended North Dakota State and Valley City State, teaches at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School and has coached baseball in the Fargo Post 400 and Dak-Minn Prospects organizations.

2025 season: Paige Sims served as primary head coach.
Thursday (approximately November 5, 2026): Fargo South announced Benson's hiring.

Season Trajectory

Fargo South's move from co-head coaches to a single head coach changes how the program's leadership is organized heading into its next season. The change reflects a return to a single-leader structure after Paige Sims and Kayla Kraft shared the role.

Benson's appointment means Fargo South softball players and families will work with a single head coach rather than co-head coaches. The source does not specify changes to practice schedules, roster decisions, or the program's season calendar.

The takeaway

A single coaching voice can simplify program direction for players and families. Readers following Fargo South softball should watch for announcements about the program's upcoming season.