VERMILLION, S.D.–New Year's Eve inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, the steady voice of South Dakota senior forward
Bridget Arens directed the Coyote defense as the team came away with a 65-62 win over rival South Dakota State.
It was the first true taste of the rivalry for many of the young faces on the court, but Arens has the type of experience that can only come after playing in 122 career games. It was her 10th game against the rival Jackrabbits.
Familiarity with the situation proved crucial as she banked in the go-ahead jumper from 16 feet out, a distance outside her usual range in the post.
As the lone four-year senior on the roster, Arens is the only remaining member of the 2014 NCAA Tournament squad. Although she was just a freshman on that roster, the taste of success lingers as each successive team has entered the year with the same goal in mind.
"We have to focus on each day and the process," Arens said. "I think as long as the culture remains the same, there are going to be successful teams here at South Dakota for a long time. The players have just bought into the process and what it takes to get there."
Many of those teams Arens was a member of included four of last year's starting line-up, which led the Coyotes to a Women's National Invitation Tournament crown. Arens had rather large shoes to fill entering the season.
"At first it felt as though something was missing," Arens described. "I kept asking myself, when are they coming back? After I got over that hump and embraced this opportunity, it has been so fun.
"This group is special in that they aren't okay with mediocrity. They want to be great, which makes my job incredibly easy. I just have to be there for them when they need it and work as hard as they do to not let them down."
The eldest of four girls, albeit with two older brothers, the leadership role fits nicely on Arens. Throughout her life, she has tried to set an example for her sisters both on and off the basketball court.
Arens also started a family tradition of playing basketball for the Coyotes.
Allison Arens is in the midst of a breakout sophomore season for USD, while Monica has signed her NLI to play for the Coyotes next fall. The youngest, Alexis, is currently a freshman at Crofton High School where her elder sisters have accrued five-straight Nebraska state titles.
"Whatever you have their heart set out to do, you can achieve it, but you have to work for it," Arens advised her younger sisters. "Nothing is going to be given to you."
Following her own advice, Arens had an incredible display of resilience entering he senior season as she had surgery on her shoulder over the summer. She went through the step-by-step recovery and rehabilitation process to work her way back onto the court.
Arens also carries her tenacity on the hardwood into the classroom. She completed her bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in education and coaching this December, finishing in just 3 ½ years. Arens has enrolled in the interdisciplinary studies master's program for this semester and is taking credits to carry over to USD's school counseling master's program, which she plans to enter in the fall.
The Crofton, Neb., native plans to remain in Vermillion as she completes her master's degree which will allow her to follow Allison and Monica's careers on the court next season for the Coyotes.
"We love our home, we love our community and we love our family," said Arens. "We are so fortunate to have been given this opportunity."
