THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Excitement Hits Sanford Coyote Sports Center as Former USD Legend Nicole Seekamp Returns to Her Former Team as the Associate Head Coach
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In a move that sent waves of excitement across the University of South Dakota and the greater Vermillion community, former women’s basketball legend Nicole Seekamp has officially returned to her alma mater—not as a
player, but in a powerful new role: Associate Head Coach of the USD Coyotes women’s basketball team. The announcement, made during a packed press conference at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, was met with thunderous applause, standing ovations, and even a few emotional tears.
This moment represents far more than just a staffing change—it marks the return of a program-defining icon whose name is etched in the history books of Coyote athletics. For fans, players, alumni, and the entire Summit League, Nicole Seekamp’s comeback is nothing short of poetic.
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🏀 A Legend Comes Full Circle
Nicole Seekamp’s name has long been synonymous with USD women’s basketball excellence. Born in Australia, she made a historic journey from down under to the Great Plains, transforming the Coyotes program during her standout career from 2012 to 2016. She amassed 2,056 points, ranking second all-time in scoring, while also finishing second in both assists (628) and steals (265). Her leadership on and off the court turned USD into a national mid-major powerhouse.
She was the Summit League Player of the Year, a WNIT Champion MVP, and a driving force behind the Coyotes’ growth in stature during the early years of their Division I transition. Her intelligence, unselfish play, and relentless grit helped define a culture that continues to shape the team today.
Now, that culture will be in her hands as a coach.
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🔁 From Star Player to Associate Head Coach
The announcement of Seekamp’s return in a leadership capacity was kept tightly under wraps. Athletic Director David Herbster hinted earlier in the week that a “game-changing addition” would be joining the staff. But few could have predicted it would be the program’s most iconic player coming back to take on a coaching role.
Speaking to an emotional crowd at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, Seekamp said:
> “This place means everything to me. It shaped who I am, not just as a basketball player, but as a person. To be back here now, helping guide the next generation of Coyotes, is truly a dream come true.”
Her voice cracked with emotion as she continued:
> “My heart never left Vermillion. I’ve always felt like part of this community, and I’ve stayed connected from afar. Now, I’m beyond grateful to have the chance to contribute from the bench—to mentor, to lead, and to fight for banners once again.”
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🎓 Mentor, Teacher, Role Model
Seekamp’s hire isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. She brings a wealth of international playing experience, having played in Australia’s WNBL and represented her home country in international competitions. Her basketball IQ is widely regarded as elite, and she’s known for her analytical mind, passion for teaching, and ability to motivate those around her.
Head Coach Kayla Karius, who welcomed Seekamp with open arms, said:
> “Bringing Nicole onto our staff is a massive win for our program. Her presence will immediately elevate the team—not just because of what she’s accomplished, but because of who she is. She’s a leader. She’s a teacher. She’s USD.”
Coach Karius emphasized that Seekamp will play a key role in player development, offensive schemes, and recruiting—particularly in expanding USD’s international pipeline, which she once helped pioneer.
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💬 Player Reactions: “She’s Our Hero”
Current players were visibly stunned when Seekamp walked into the practice facility earlier this week for her first informal session. Grace Larkins, now considered the face of the program and the team’s current leading scorer, was in awe.
> “Nicole was the reason I started following USD women’s basketball in high school,” said Larkins. “To now be coached by her? It’s surreal. We’ve looked up to her forever, and now we get to learn from her every day.”
Several players took to social media shortly after the announcement:
> 🐾 @USDHoops_23: “Nicole Seekamp in the locker room with us. This is legendary energy. #CoyoteFam #FullCircle”
> 🐾 @GraceBuckets: “I was already motivated for the season. Now I’m ready to run through a wall. Let’s gooooooo!”
The buzz in Vermillion is real—and spreading fast.
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🌍 Global Attention
Seekamp’s return has sparked not just local, but international headlines. Australian media outlets such as the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News Australia have already covered the story, emphasizing the significance of an Aussie legend returning to a leadership role in U.S. collegiate athletics.
Basketball Australia tweeted:
> 🇦🇺 “From Broken Hill to Vermillion, Nicole Seekamp’s journey continues! Proud to see one of our own shaping the next generation of talent. #AussiePride #USDHoops”
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🐺 What This Means for USD’s Future
USD is already a top-tier mid-major women’s basketball program. With Seekamp now in the coaching seat, the program’s future just got even brighter. Her eye for talent, experience in high-pressure games, and understanding of Coyote basketball culture are invaluable.
Expect USD to be a major player in Summit League recruiting and development. Seekamp is expected to play a huge role in developing guards, refining team offense, and mentoring the program’s leadership core.
Beyond Xs and Os, her presence signals stability, tradition, and excellence—reassuring fans, recruits, and alumni that the Coyotes are doubling down on greatness.
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❤️ A Community Reunited
The emotional gravity of this moment cannot be overstated. Seekamp isn’t just returning to a gym—she’s returning home. Fans who once cheered her through clutch performances now welcome her as a steward of the program’s future.
Vermillion locals have responded with billboards, banners, and social media tributes. At downtown coffee shops, Seekamp jerseys are popping back up. Elementary school girls now wear #35 again—not just to shoot threes, but to dream of coaching too.
This isn’t just a headline—it’s a homecoming.
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Final Thoughts
Nicole Seekamp’s return to USD women’s basketball is more than exciting—it’s foundational. She represents the best of what college athletics can be: talent, growth, humility, and legacy.
In an age where athletes come and go, where coaching staffs change rapidly, and where loyalty often fades, Seekamp’s homecoming is a powerful statement about identity, belonging, and the enduring bond between a player and her school.
Sanford Coyote Sports Center isn’t just celebrating a hire—it’s celebrating a hero.
Welcome home, Nicole. 🐾🏀