VERMILLION, S.D.—The South Dakota women's soccer team faces in-state rival South Dakota State for the 10th time in program history at 3 p.m. Friday at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. In the previous nine meetings, each team has scored 10 goals while SDSU leads the series 5-4.
Freshman midfielder
Julie Teslow grew up with the USD-SDSU rivalry. Teslow's father, Mike, was a member of the Coyote football and wrestling teams. Her older sister, Jenny, was the first Coyote soccer player to earn all-Summit honors in 2012. A member of the Coyote squad from 2010-13, Jenny is tied for seventh in program history with 19 goals.
"I was born with USD in my blood," Teslow said. "I have always wanted the Coyotes to come out on top."
Growing up in Sioux Falls, S.D., Teslow was accustomed to classmates and teammates being Jackrabbit fans as they were from South Dakota State families. One of her Dakota Alliance Soccer Club teammates, midfielder Darien Poelstra, plays for the Jackrabbits.
Teslow was a three-time all-state honoree for Sioux Falls Lincoln. She won player of the match in the Patriots' 2014 state title victory.
Throughout Jenny's Coyote career, South Dakota head coach
Mandy Green and her staff kept an eye on Teslow. Teslow came to nearly all of her older sister's home matches and attended several camps run by the team.
"Just being the sister of one of our players, we kept an eye on her," Green said. "She caught our eye with how she plays, her work ethic, how versatile she can be between positions and with her size and athleticism."
Between USD flowing in her blood and her sister's influence, Teslow chose to continue her playing career at South Dakota.
"Jenny could tell me exactly what the University of South Dakota was like," Teslow said. "I knew the coaches and the team's dynamic. Her experience here at South Dakota is one of several reasons why I decided to become a Coyote."
Teslow ultimately decided to graduate high school a semester early and to get a head start with the team and academics. By arriving in the spring, Teslow received additional time with the coaches, players, in the weight room, and on the field.
"The brutal thing about the fall season is that we only get two weeks to train with true freshmen before we start games," Green said. "She came in fit, her skills were up and that spring helped her tremendously.
"To be in this environment, training with the coaching staff every day, gave her a distinct advantage to improve her skills ahead of the fall season."
Since arriving in Vermillion, Teslow has drawn a few comparisons to her older sister.
"They are both extremely hard workers who play with incredible heart and have a passion for the game," Green said. "Both of them are fiery people. Their parents are die-hard USD fans and it transfers down to their daughters."
While Teslow has been to many a USD-SDSU rivalry game, this Friday will be her first chance to leave a mark on the pitch against the Jackrabbits.
"This has been a huge rivalry my entire life," Teslow said. "To be able to play against them myself is really exciting. I am pumped for the game."
The winner of Friday's match earns a point in the South Dakota Showdown Series. The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead earlier this month as the volleyball team swept the Jackrabbits in Brookings, S.D.
A student tailgate with free burgers and chips for University of South Dakota students will also be held inside the gates beginning ahead of the match at 2 p.m.
