VERMILLION, S.D.–A hard work ethic runs deep through South Dakota sophomore guard
Allison Arens and her family. The Arens grew up on a farm just outside of Crofton, Neb., with cattle, horses and plenty of pasture.
The farm life has provided Arens with a vast array of hobbies including gardening, building a barn with the family, raising cattle, baking and drawing. She even made both of her brothers' wedding cakes.
"I grew up working outdoors with my brothers and sisters and it's something I fell in love with too," said Arens. "Working and moving cows in the pasture allows for a lot of one-on-one bonding time with plenty of jokes being thrown around. We make riding horses, chasing cows and doing chores our fun.
"I have a ton of stories from last summer when I was working in the garden with my sisters. It allows a lot of time for talking without any electronics to distract us. It gives us a chance to catch up. I wouldn't change it for the world."
Arens' work ethic from the farm carries over to the hardwood. She spends countless hours in the gym getting shots up, rebounding for her teammates or working on dribbling.
On game days, she's on the court for roughly 34 minutes of the game. That doesn't leave much time to catch her breath on the bench, which means she needs to be well conditioned too.
"Allison's not only a great student and skilled athlete, in addition to that she has all of these talents off the court," said USD head coach
Dawn Plitzuweit. "She's unbelievable – she has so many talents. Allison is a spectacular young lady and we are excited that we have the privilege to coach her."
As a true freshman last season, Arens served a reserve role averaging 8.5 minutes off the bench. With the graduation of four starters, including 2016 Summit League Player of the Year
Nicole Seekamp and all-Summit honoree
Tia Hemiller, the sophomore moved into a starting role this winter. Arens surpassed her points scored a year ago in her third game and total minutes on the floor in her eighth game this season.
"As a typical freshman coming in, there was so much for me to learn about the college game," Arens said. "There's a lot that I learned last year that I have been able to apply and carry over to this season. Additionally, the motion offense allows more penetration for guards which is something I have always enjoyed."
Arens has been instrumental in the Coyotes' 11-2 nonconference record, the program's best start since the move to NCAA Div. I in 2008-09. She enters league play atop Summit standings at 20.2 points per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. She also leads the team in assists (4.5 apg) and rebounding (5.2 rpg).
As the understudy to seniors like Seekamp and Hemiller, Arens practiced and learned from the group's experience both defensively and in creating plays in the offense.
"Words cannot describe how much I took away from them," said Arens. "I learned a lot from Tia's work ethic and her drive. She helped me learn how to not get beat and to keep your girl in front of you. Then, as everyone knows, Nicole was an all-around good player with how well she could see the court. She taught me a lot of little technical things to help improve."
Another role model for Arens has been her older sister,
Bridget Arens, a starting senior forward for the Coyotes.
The lone four-year senior and last remaining holdover from the 2014 NCAA Tournament team, Bridget's known for her spark of energy on both ends of the floor. While she has only averaged 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds this season, she leads the team in charges taken and has set the screen for dozens of game-winning shots in her career.
"Playing with Bridget has always been our dream," said Arens. "It's everything we could have asked for and I am thankful we have this opportunity together. I have been embracing every minute we have on the floor together. She's definitely my rock and is so encouraging."
Although this is Bridget's final season, it's not the last season a pair of Arens sisters will play for the Coyotes. Younger sister, Monica, signed her NLI this November to play for USD in 2017-18.
"It's definitely a change, being the big sister on the team," said Arens. "I'm excited to play with her again too. Monica and Bridget have pretty different personalities, but I think we all share the same goals and bonds, just in different ways."
South Dakota begins its Summit League slate with Denver at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. The Coyotes host in-state rival South Dakota State at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
