Revamped and Ready: SIU Softball Takes the Field Today
After consecutive Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament championships and their first NCAA Regional final appearance in 2024, SIU softball is entering a new chapter.

After consecutive Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament championships and their first NCAA Regional final appearance in 2024, SIU softball is entering a new chapter.
A blend of heart and hunger is what makes Saluki quarterback DJ Williams different. He’s got the talent, sure. But it’s the perspective — shaped by setbacks, loss, and purpose — that’s setting the tone for what could be a monster final season.
Welcome to UnderDawg Sessions — a new video series bringing you closer to the athletes, coaches, and decision-makers shaping Saluki sports.
We caught up with MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson on Friday to discuss the whirlwind of change sweeping through college athletics - and how the conference is supporting universities like SIU.
In this Q&A, Dallas Hodge opens the lid on how he navigates setbacks, what clicked during his breakout throws, and what he’d tell the next wave of Saluki athletes looking to make their mark.