VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota senior guard Caitlin Duffy will forgo the remainder of her senior season due to multiple lower leg injuries. She will continue to work towards earning her master's degree in public administration and will remain an integral part of the Coyote women's basketball program moving forward.
 
"I am so grateful to everyone involved in my application for a sixth year of eligibility," said Duffy. "I would like to thank Jamie Oyen for all of the work that she put in to my waiver and our athletic trainer, Kylea Sheley, for helping me through the rehabilitation process. While my playing career is ending sooner than I had hoped, I am excited to contribute however I can to help this team be successful. It was an honor to be on the floor wearing a South Dakota jersey and have the chance to represent a state, a university and an athletic department that I am so proud of."
 
A native of Rapid City, S.D., Duffy started for the Coyotes her junior season as she helped the Coyotes capture the 2015-16 Women's National Invitation Tournament title. She averaged 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Her 70 made 3-pointers paced the Coyotes beyond the arc and she was named the Summit League Transfer of the Year. Duffy also earned a spot on the Summit League Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence and made the Summit League honor roll. After missing the 2016-17 to injury, Duffy applied for and received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA in May.
 
"Caitlin has worked so hard from both a rehabilitation and basketball perspective to play this season," said USD head coach Dawn Plitzuweit. "We were looking forward to her ability to help our team on the court this year and we know she is very disappointed that her body has not cooperated. However, Caitlin was a major reason why were successful at Wichita State even though she did not play. Her leadership on the bench was incredible and now we look forward to her focusing on these contributions moving forward. Her high energy personality and demeanor will provide a positive impact on our team."
 
Duffy scored 881 points, grabbed 359 rebounds and dished out 156 assists in her collegiate basketball career, which included two seasons at Colorado State. Duffy's younger sister, Ciara, is a sophomore guard for the Coyotes.