VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota head women's basketball coach Kayla Karius is pleased to announce the signing of Hannah Coons and Gabby Wilke to National Letters of Intent.
 
"We are thrilled to add two quality players and people to our women's basketball program today," said Karius. "Hannah and Gabby bring size, athleticism, and versatility to our roster, which are key qualities that we look for in recruits. They are hard-working individuals on the court and in the classroom. We know that USD fans will love to watch them play in the coming years."
 
Hannah Coons | Forward | 6-1 | Kiefer, Okla. | Kiefer HS
 
Hannah Coons, a 6-foot-1 forward from Kiefer, Oklahoma, garnered back-to-back Heartland Conference Player of the Year accolades. She averaged 21.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a junior to lead Kiefer to a 22-6 record and its first state tournament victory. She was the 3A state tournament's leading scorer and named to the all-state tournament team. Coons has scored more than 1,300 career points entering her senior season. Coons also competed in track and field at Kiefer High School. A National Honor society member and honor roll student, Coons plans to major in education at South Dakota.
 
"Hannah is a true scorer with great size who has excelled at a high level in her high school basketball career," said Karius. "Her current skill set and drive to improve will make her an ideal addition to our program. She loved Vermillion on her visit and is somebody who really fits us as a person as well. Welcome to USD, Hannah and the Coons family!"
 
Gabby Wilke | Wing | 6-2 | Beaver Dam, Wis. | Beaver Dam HS
 
Gabby Wilke, a 6-foot-2 wing from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, captured back-to-back Badger Conference Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior. She led the Beavers to their second-straight conference title last season while averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and two assists per game. She garnered all-state honors for the second-straight season as her squad finished 22-4. Wilke also played golf and softball for the Beavers. A National Honor Society member and honor roll student, Wilke plans to major in either education or psychology at South Dakota.
 
"Gabby is a versatile player who has the skill set of a guard but the body of a forward," said Karius. "She can stretch the floor from the perimeter and use her size to score inside just as effectively. She has competed on many successful teams and knows what it takes to win. We look forward to Gabby and the Wilke family joining our Coyote family!"
 
The pair will enroll at and be eligible to compete for South Dakota in the fall of 2024.