The South Dakota women's soccer team completed its 2022 spring season last Saturday. The Coyotes compiled a perfect 8-0 record over the spring including a win over a power five program on the road.

"It was a very positive spring season," said USD head coach Michael Thomas. "We played a lot of soccer, and every healthy player got a lot of playing time.  I think it was especially beneficial for the young players who were given a chance to get out on the field and really figure out what college soccer is all about." 

The Coyote had 11 seniors on the team last year, so this spring season was important in developing the underclassmen. USD currently has 22 sophomores or freshmen on the roster and nearly all saw significant playing time this spring season. Two of the freshmen that Thomas mentions as making big impacts this spring was Haylee Phoenix and Kiah Pieters.

"We had a few of our freshmen step up especially on the offensive end," said Thomas. "Haylee Phoenix ended the spring as our leading scorer, and she seems to have an instinct for being in the right place in the penalty box. Kiah Pieters is another young player who took a step forward this spring. She had three goals on the spring including the game winner against Kansas State."

As previously mentioned, one of South Dakota's biggest wins this spring came against Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas on April 16. The Coyotes limited the Wildcats to just one goal and walked away with a 2-1 victory at Buser Family Park. Prior to that, USD also picked up a big 2-0 win over conference foe Omaha at home on April 2.

South Dakota closed out its spring schedule by welcoming back alumni for a game at First Bank & Trust Complex on the morning of April 23. The Coyotes then sealed the perfect spring record with a victory over Morningside University following the alumni game.

"I was really pleased with the group as a whole," said Thomas. "From the older players who are having to step into some new roles on the field, to the younger players who are getting their first real taste of what college soccer is about. I think every player moved forward in one way or another."

South Dakota looks to build off one of its most impressive seasons in Coyote history last fall. USD's fall schedule will be released at a later date.