USD introduces new women’s head coach
At a Monday press conference in the Muenster University Center, athletic director David Herbster introduced Dawn Plitzuweit as the new head coach of the USD women’s basketball team.
Plitzuweit just completed her fourth season at Northern Kentucky University with a record of 19-14 in the 2015-16 season. She’s taking over for Amy Williams, after Williams departed for Nebraska following a 32-win season at USD.
Plitzuweit has previously coached at Northern Kentucky (four years), Michigan Tech (two years/alma mater), Grand Valley State (five years), Green Bay (four years), Wisconsin (one year) and Michigan (five years). She’s USD’s tenth women’s basketball head coach, Herbster said.
She described this experience as exciting and humbling.
“The situation at Northern Kentucky University had been a wonderful situation. So the question was, why South Dakota? They called and I learned quickly why the University of South Dakota is a very special place,” she said during the press conference. “It really starts with the people that are here, along with the commitment that this university has made to excellence. They have built this into a power house Division II program. Then, onto a national power house in Division I.”
Fortunately, Plitzuweit said the values in the USD athletic department are equivalent to what she’s always emphasized when coaching basketball: integrity, passion, responsibility, accountability, compete and confidence.
“She will give the girls what it takes to be successful in competition, in class, and in life,” Herbster said.
Dawn attributes this past season to Amy Williams and the five seniors, but said she’s ready to pursue the legacy with the incoming class and the returning members of the winning team.
“To next year’s crew, this day is really about you. I can’t wait to get started,” Plitzuweit said. “I’ve been told over the 21 years of my coaching career that I have a little bit of energy, well I’ve met my match when I met you.”
The new but experienced coach went on to say how she’s already noticed the deep care each player has for one another and how the team has a competitive fire.
James Abbott, USD President, said he’s excited for the future of USD basketball.
“It’s always a good day to be a Coyote, but today it’s a great day to be Coyote,” Abbott said during the press conference. “Today is a great day in particular because of our new hire for the women’s basketball program.”
Herbster said he’s excited for Plitzuweit to bring her family to South Dakota.
“Dawn is the right fit for USD. We welcome to our family an exceptional coach, person, teacher and leader,” Herbster said. “We welcome you, your husband Jay, your son AJ (16), and daughter Lexi (13) to our family.”
Plitzuweit said she’s looking forward to building this team and making another run next season.
“We will continue to build this team on toughness and togetherness. We are going to continue to grow this Coyote family with you,” Plitzuweit said. “To the players, you have been tremendous through this transition by going out of your way to make us feel welcome as well as welcoming us into their family.”
