THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: South Dakota’s men’s basketball team are overjoyed as Head Coach Eric Allen Peterson makes announcements of making star Chase Forte the new Team Captain for the 2025–26 season
In what has been described as a defining moment for South Dakota men’s basketball, Head Coach Eric Allen Peterson officially announced that Chase Forte will serve as team captain for the upcoming 2025–26 season
. The announcement, made during a press conference at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, was met with thunderous applause from teammates, staff, and fans alike. Forte’s elevation to team captain not only symbolizes the coaching staff’s trust in his leadership, but also signals a new era of dominance and pride for the Coyotes.
Chase Forte has become a household name within the Summit League and across mid-major college basketball. Coming off an incredible junior season where he earned Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-Summit First Team, Forte was the heart and soul of the Coyote lineup. Averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, he proved to be a two-way force, dominating both ends of the court. His uncanny ability to take over games in crunch time, as seen in his 31-point performance in the regular-season finale, left fans in awe and opponents scrambling.
Coach Peterson was emphatic in his praise. “Chase embodies everything we want in a Coyote—toughness, selflessness, and a relentless work ethic. He’s earned this role not just by his stats, but by the way he uplifts everyone around him,” he said. “Our locker room looks to him, and our program grows stronger with him at the front.”
Forte’s teammates echoed similar sentiments, noting his quiet confidence, unmatched focus, and willingness to lead by example. With a strong mix of returning players and talented newcomers joining the roster, Forte’s leadership is expected to unify the squad and raise their championship ambitions even higher.
As the 2025–26 season looms, fans and alumni across Vermillion are buzzing with excitement. Chase Forte’s captaincy is more than a title—it’s a rallying point for a program that believes its time has come. With Forte leading the charge and Coach Peterson steering the ship, the Coyotes are poised for their most promising season in recent memory.