VERMILLION, S.D.—John Vining has announced his resignation after six seasons as the South Dakota men's golf head coach and 11 seasons with the program.
 
Vining, a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, took over as South Dakota's head men's golf coach in 2018. Prior to his role as head coach, Vining spent five seasons as an assistant coach for both the Coyote men's and women's golf programs. He's an alum of the program, playing for the Coyotes from 2008-12.
 
"I want to thank John, and the entire Vining family, for 11 years of service to The University of South Dakota and the Coyote men's golf program," said USD director of athletics Jon Schemmel. "I know he doesn't make this decision lightly and USD golf is a much better program because of what he has accomplished here as a player and a coach. We wish John and his family all the best as they embark on their future endeavors. They will always be Coyotes!"
 
The Coyotes finished fourth at the Summit League Championships last week led by senior Nick LaMotte's all-Summit performance. LaMotte set the program record for lowest average season score of 73.07 this spring. Vining coached three different all-Summit League honorees while at the helm of the program. He was also instrumental in the Coyotes hosting a meet at one of the nation's most exciting new courses, Landmand Golf Club in Homer, Nebraska.
 
Vining was an assistant on staff for the Coyotes' lone Summit League championship title in 2015 and as USD advanced to the NCAA Regional for the first time in program history. In all, Vining has coached 14 all-Summit League performers, nine individual medalists and five team tournament victories. Among the all-league performers, his brother, Tommy, was a two-time first team all-league selection, the 2017 Summit League Newcomer of the Year and the 2018 Golfer of the Year.
 
As a student-athlete for the Coyotes, Vining was named to the American Sky All-Academic Team and the Summit League Academic Team. He received the Coyote Character Award during his senior season in 2012. He graduated from USD in 2013 with a bachelor of science in physical education with endorsements in health and coaching.