Coyotes extend women's basketball coach Carrie Eighmey's contract through 2031

Apr. 9—VERMILLION, S.D. — The University of South Dakota and women's basketball head coach Carrie Eighmey have agreed to a new five-year contract that is set to run through the 2030-31 season, the university announced Thursday.

Eighmey just wrapped up her second season in Vermillion, earning a 26-10 record with a trip to the WNIT semifinals. USD's 12-4 record in Summit League play earned USD a third-place finish in the conference, the program's best finish since the 2021-22 season. In Eighmey's two seasons at the helm, the Coyotes are 37-30 with a 17-15 conference record.

"Carrie has done an exceptional job since arriving to USD and Vermillion," Schemmel said. "Her passion for Coyote women's basketball is apparent every day and I'm excited for her to continue leading our program for years to come!"

In Eighmey's second season as the leader of the Coyotes, South Dakota recorded a 15-win improvement from her first season, tied for the second-best improvement at the Division I level. The 26 wins are the most for the Coyote women since 2021-22.

"I am incredibly excited to continue leading the South Dakota women's basketball program for years to come. I am beyond grateful for President (Sheila) Gestring and Jon Schemmel's unwavering belief in me, our staff, and this program," Eighmey said. "The support we have received from our administration, the campus community, and Yote fans everywhere has been truly overwhelming in the best way possible!"

Eighmey, a native of Edgar, Nebraska, came to South Dakota after one season at Idaho and a successful career at Division II Nebraska-Kearney and NAIA Hastings. Eighmey has a career record of 285-151 over 14 seasons as a head coach and a 52-46 record at the Division I level.