VERMILLION, S.D. -- Ryun Williams, head coach of The University of South Dakota women's basketball team, has announced the hiring of Allison Kruger as assistant coach. Kruger was an assistant under Williams at Wayne State (Neb.) for the past four seasons.

"I'm excited to have Allison join the staff at USD so that we can continue what we started at Wayne State," said Williams. "She is extremely knowledgeable about the game. Allison and I worked well together for the last four years. She is a great recruiter and a great floor coach. Coach Kruger has a very competitive personality and that carries over to the players."

Kruger comes to South Dakota off the heels of a historic season at WSC. The Wildcats finished the season with a 22-10 record, which included a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In the first round of the North Central Region, WSC pulled off an 85-78 upset of North Dakota for the first win in the NCAA Tournament in the school's history. In 2005-06, Wayne State made its first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, as the team notched its best season in school history by going 27-4. They were 13-1 in NSIC play and won the NSIC Tournament to earn automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Wayne State posted a 98-35 mark in the four seasons that Kruger was a member of the coaching staff.

Prior to starting her coaching career at Wayne State, Kruger enjoyed a decorated playing career at Nebraska-Kearney. She was a second team All-America selection in 2003-2004 and was honorable mention All-America in 2002-2003. In her career at UNK, she was selected RMAC Player of the Year twice (2002 and 2003) and was twice a member of the all-region team. Kruger was named All-RMAC first team as a junior and senior and was All-RMAC honorable mention as a sophomore. In 2002-03 and 2003-04 she was selected to the Academic All-District third team.

She ranks 3rd all-time in points at UNK (1,682), 4th in rebounds (788), 5th in blocks (91), 2nd in free throws made (426), and 2nd in free throws attempted (585). She helped lead the Lopers to four NCAA Tournament appearances and four RMAC titles.

The University of South Dakota finished 2007-08 with a 33-2 record and made its first appearance in the NCAA Division II national championship game. USD will begin its first year of transition to NCAA Division I in 2008-09.