VERMILLION, S.D. — University of South Dakota athletic director Jon Schemmel announced a three-year contract extension for head volleyball coach Leanne Williamson that will run through the fall of 2030.
 
Williamson, USD's all-time wins leader, enters year 12 as the Coyotes head coach this fall and holds a 231-101 record. Williamson led the Coyotes to their fifth Summit League Tournament Championship and fifth appearance at the NCAA D1 National Tournament in 2024.
 
"I am ecstatic to continue to lead South Dakota volleyball into the future," said head coach Leanne Williamson. "I would like to thank President Gestring, Jon Schemmel and Gina Mockler for their belief in myself, our tremendous staff, and this program!  We would not be where we are without their support!" 
 
Under the three-time Summit League Coach of the Year's leadership, the Coyotes have won either the conference's regular season or postseason title in each of the last seven season and in eight of the last nine. USD has won the regular season crown four times, including a perfect 16-0 conference record in the 2019 season. The Yotes have had four Summit League Players of the Year, four defensive players of the year, four setters of the year and two freshman of the year honorees under Williamson's guidance.
 
"Vermillion is such a special place for my family, and I am lucky to continue to call this home!" said Williamson. "I am looking forward to continuing to work to win championships, as well as succeeding in the classroom and giving back to the community!  Today is a great day to be a Coyote!"
 
The Coyotes have won 15 or more games in 11 straight seasons and have eclipsed 10 conference wins in nine straight years. In 2024, the Yotes set a single-season program record with three wins over teams inside the top-50 RPI and the win over then RV Missouri was the first win over a team in the RPI top-25. This past season, the Yotes set a new Sanford Coyote Sports Center attendance record with 2,810 in a November 19 match against South Dakota State and ranked 50^th nationally in home attendance.
 
"I am thrilled to continue having Leanne leading our Coyote Volleyball program! What she has built over the last decade plus is incredible.," said Schemmel. "We are consistently a championship program, and their impact goes far beyond the wins on the court. She recruits, develops, and graduates tremendous young women who make an incredible impact on this campus and the Vermillion community every year! Keeping Leanne as a Coyote will always be a top priority for me!"
 
Williamson, a native of Hartland, Wisconsin, was recently inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Hall of Fame on February 15, 2025, following a decorated career as a Panther. Williamson holds a 231-101 overall record, 137-40 mark in the Summit League and 84-19 record in the SCSC.