VERMILLION, S.D. - The South Dakota women's soccer fall preseason camp is in full swing as the Coyote prepare for an exhibition game at home Thursday against Drake. Monday marked the fourth day of practice for the Coyotes, who have 26 players taking part in fall camp.

Prior to the 2011 Coyote players reporting, the Coyote women's soccer program kicked off the fall with the first High School Girls ID Camp, held Aug. 1-2 at the South Dakota Soccer Field. Using the same drills that are used during the Coyote practices, South Dakota head coach Mandy Green and assistants Josh Green and Laura Hallauer, provided instruction to more than 30 campers, who came from states such as Kentucky, Illinois, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota and South Dakota. The camp, which was open for ages 13-18, focused on skill development and featured 10 members of the 2011 Coyote team.

After the high school camp was completed, Coyote players reported for camp on Aug. 4, with their first full day of practice being held on Aug. 5. South Dakota is in the midst of a youth movement in 2011, with no seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and 19 freshmen on the active roster.

The Coyotes and Drake are no strangers in women's soccer, having met during the past three regular seasons. Thursday's game is an exhibition, however with the game not counting on the team's records.

The exhibition contest begins at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Coyote Soccer Field. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

The Coyotes' regular season opener is set for Friday, Aug. 19 at North Dakota.

More than 30 athletes participated
in South Dakota's first High School ID Camp,
which was held Aug. 1-2 at the USD Soccer Field.