SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Coming off a fourth-place finish in the regular season and a semifinal exit from the Summit League Tournament, the South Dakota women's basketball program was tabbed fourth in the preseason conference poll, announced by the Summit League Tuesday morning.
 
The Coyotes were picked behind the three teams that finished above them in the regular season last year: South Dakota State, Oral Roberts, and North Dakota State. The Coyotes went 9-7 in conference play in 2023-24 and defeated St. Thomas 70-57 in the quarterfinals of the Summit League Tournament. In postseason play, the Coyotes made the Super 16 of the WNIT before falling to Wyoming to end their season.
 
"Our team is eager to get the season started," head coach Carrie Eighmey said. "We've continued to improve each week of the preseason. I have a feeling this team will experience a ton of growth throughout our challenging non-conference slate of games which will help prepare us for Summit League play."
 
The Coyotes move into the 2024-25 season under new direction as Eighmey will begin her first season at the head coach of the Coyotes but will be led by returning first team all-conference guard Grace Larkins.
 
"Grace is so well-deserving of being picked as a preseason all-conference player," Eighmey said. "She has had a lot of success in her career up to this point and still shows up hungry to achieve more and to lead her team every single day. Her work ethic is incredible."
 
Larkins starts the season with a preseason first team all-Summit League honors. The two-time first teamer averaged 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season. Larkins shot career-highs from the field (47.1%), from three (34.9%), and from the free throw line (85.8%).
 
The Coyotes are back to start the 2024-25 season inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center on Nov. 4 against St. Louis. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on the opening night of the season.