VERMILLION, S.D. – Men's swimming and diving has been recognized as South Dakota's Outstanding team of the Year announced Wednesday in a digital version of The Charlie's, the athletics annual award ceremony. The Coyotes' head coach, Jason Mahowald, received recognition as South Dakota's coach of the year.
 
The Coyote men's swimming and diving team captured its first-ever Summit League championship when it tallied a school-record 915.5 points over the course of the three-day meet. South Dakota had at least two point-placers in each of the 16 individual events contested while winning six individual Summit League titles to go with winning three of the five relays.
 
The Coyote men completed a 6-1 dual season during the 2020-21 school year under coach Mahowald, who completed his 16^th season as head coach, and was named Summit League men's coach of the year.
 
This is Mahowald's second South Dakota Coach of the Year distinction with his first coming in 2009.
 
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) introduced the Outstanding Team of the Year and Coach of the Year awards in 2006. The history of past recipients is listed below.
 
Outstanding Team of the Year
2021: Men's Swimming
2020: Women's Basketball
2019: Women's Basketball
2018: Women's Basketball
2017: Volleyball
2016: Women's Basketball
2015: Women's Basketball
2014: Women's Basketball
2013: Men's Cross Country
2012: Women's Basketball
2011: Women's Basketball
2010: Men's Track and Field
2009: Volleyball
2008: Women's Basketball
2007: Men's Track and Field
2006: Women's Cross Country
 
Coach of the Year
2021: Jason Mahowald, swimming and diving
2020: Dawn Plitzuweit, women's basketball
2019: Leanne Williamson, volleyball
2018: Dawn Plitzuweit, women's basketball; Dan Fitzsimmons, women's cross country
2017: Craig Smith, men's basketball
2016: Amy Williams, women's basketball
2015: Dave Gottsleben, men's track and field
2014: Amy Williams, women's basketball
2013: Amy Williams, women's basketball
2012: Ryun Williams, women's basketball
2011: Dave Gottsleben, men's track and field
2010: Lucky Huber, women's track and field
2009: Jason Mahowald, swimming and diving
2008: Chad Lavin, women's basketball
2007: Ed Meierkort, football
2006: Lucky Huber, women's track and field