GAME 27: South Dakota (21-5, 12-1 Summit) vs. South Dakota State (22-4, 12-1 Summit)
When	Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 | 2 p.m. CT
Where	DakotaDome | Vermillion, S.D.
TV	MidcoSN
Watch Online	GoYotes.com / ESPN3
Radio	Coyote Sports Network: KVHT 106.3 (John Thayer)
Live Stats	GoYotes.com
South Dakota Links	Game Notes | Roster | Schedule | Stats
South Dakota St. Links	Game Notes | Roster | Schedule | Stats
Summit League Links	Summit League Notes | Website
Social Media	@SDCoyotesWBB | #FeaRed | #GoYotes

VERMILLION, S.D.--As a native of Watertown, S.D., the USD and SDSU rivalry has always been special for senior guard Tia Hemiller. Hemiller became even more a part of the rivalry when she made the decision to play for the Coyotes four years ago.
 
The rivalry itself makes Saturday's game at the DakotaDome one that Hemiller and the Coyotes look forward to every year, but for Hemiller, it may be the final time she steps out onto the DakotaDome floor with her fellow seniors.
 
"It's gone by so fast," Hemiller said. "It seems like I was just a freshman and now here I am preparing to play my final home game of my career. I'm going to try and cherish every moment I can."
 
Hemiller will be joined by her parents, Bobby and Jodi, on the court for the senior day recognition. Her parents have long served as her inspiration for playing basketball, but her mom was the reason she became involved in the sport.
 
"I would watch her play in a city basketball league and would just be amazed," Hemiller said. "She was so fast and a really good player. I wanted to be just like her."
 
Hemiller's parents are South Dakota State alums and former Jackrabbit athletes, but she says they fully supported her decision to attend South Dakota.
 
"They wanted what was best for me and allowed me to make my own decision," Hemiller said. "Once I decided to attend USD they became Coyote fans instantly."
 
While growing up only 45 minutes from Brookings, one might expect Hemiller to attend the geographically closer SDSU, but Hemiller knew USD was the perfect place for her.
 
"I loved the environment in Vermillion from my visit," Hemiller said. "When I enrolled, I knew many of the incoming freshmen and the elementary education program was another element that attracted me to USD."
 
Additionally, the personnel of the coaching staff – former USD head coach Ryun Williams, former Coyote and assistant coach Mandy Koupal, and current USD head coach Amy Williams – have all made being a Coyote the perfect fit.
 
"I'm so lucky to be able to be in this situation," Hemiller said. "Being able to pursue my education, wear the South Dakota jersey and represent my school, state and family, I couldn't ask for anything better."
 
Hemiller has played a key role in one of the most accomplished classes in South Dakota women's basketball history. They led South Dakota to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014 and its first regular season Summit League title last year.
 
When she steps out onto the court with fellow classmates Heidi Hoff and Margaret McCloud, as well as redshirt-seniors Nicole Seekamp and Kelly Stewart, it will mark the end of an era for Coyote basketball inside the DakotaDome.
 
And for Hemiller and the rest of the team, the Coyotes want their final home game to be one that they will remember forever with a win over rival South Dakota State.
 
"There will be a lot of emotions in the game with it being senior day, final game in the Dome and playing SDSU," Hemiller said. "We just want to go out there, play our best and enjoy the experience together."