Shocking News: USD Coyotes Women’s Basketball Team Faces an Unexpected Setback Following Loss to Oral Roberts, as Head Coach Announces Serious Issue During Practice………

The University of South Dakota (USD) Coyotes women’s basketball team has encountered a significant and unexpected setback following their 70–50 loss to Oral Roberts in the Summit League quarterfinals. While the loss itself marked the end of a challenging season, what has captured headlines is a serious announcement from first-year head coach Carrie Eighmey during a post-season practice session. The coach revealed that the team has been dealing with a deeper issue affecting performance, morale, and future development—one that she says “must be addressed before this program can move forward.

The loss to Oral Roberts was a reflection of the struggles that have plagued the Coyotes throughout the 2024–25 season. A dismal third quarter in which the team scored only four points—all from senior star Grace Larkins—sealed their fate. Despite a brief fourth-quarter surge, the Coyotes couldn’t overcome the 23-point deficit, concluding their season with an 11–20 overall record and a 5–11 record in Summit League play.

Eighmey, who took the reins this season following the departure of former head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, faced the daunting task of rebuilding a once-dominant program. The Coyotes had enjoyed national attention in past years, with deep tournament runs and top-tier Summit League performances. But this season was a stark contrast, marked by inconsistency, lackluster defense, and visible frustration from both players and fans.

If there was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign, it was senior guard Grace Larkins. She put up 24 points and 13 rebounds in her final game, notching her 30th career double-double and cementing her place among USD’s all-time greats. Larkins ends her collegiate career second in all-time scoring with 2,089 points, fourth in rebounds with 896, and fifth in assists with 519.

Her leadership on and off the court remained a steadying force during a season filled with setbacks, but even Larkins’ brilliance couldn’t mask the deeper issues the program now faces.

In a shocking turn, Coach Eighmey addressed the media following a routine post-season practice and shared concerns that had largely remained behind closed doors. She cited “deep-seated communication breakdowns, player fatigue, and a culture in need of serious reinforcement” as issues that came to a head during the latter part of the season.

Eighmey emphasized that the team’s struggles were not merely due to inexperience or talent gaps, but rather systemic problems with team cohesion, accountability, and preparation.

We have incredible young women in this program,” Eighmey stated. “But the reality is, we haven’t built the structure and communication systems necessary for sustained success. That starts with me, and we’re going to fix it.

Her comments suggest an offseason filled with not just physical training, but also cultural rebuilding and leadership development. The coach mentioned that she would be bringing in outside experts to work on team dynamics and that no position—on the court or the staff—was off-limits when evaluating future roles.

With Larkins and other seniors departing, the Coyotes will be entering a rebuilding phase. But Coach Eighmey is treating this setback not as a death knell, but as an opportunity for transformation.

The program will be focusing on defensive improvements after allowing an average of 72 points per game, but the real change may come from within—how players communicate, how leadership is shared, and how adversity is faced.

The coming months will be crucial as USD’s women’s basketball program looks to reestablish its identity. For now, the shocking post-loss revelations may sting, but they also offer a glimmer of hope that this team is willing to confront its challenges head-on.