VERMILLION, S.D. — University of South Dakota announced Tuesday that the school is making a change in leadership for its softball program following the resignation of longtime head coach Robert Wagner.
In a statement, Wagner said he has spent his entire adult life as a Marine and coach and called coaching at USD an opportunity to “live out my dreams.” He said his family dedicated the past 10 years to the Coyotes softball program and the Vermillion community.
Wagner highlighted the 2026 team’s historic accomplishments, saying the group achieved milestones never before reached in the program’s 48-year history. While noting it had always been his intention to finish his career at USD, he announced he would be stepping away as head coach.
He thanked former and current players for their commitment to the program and praised this year’s team for leaving “it all on the field,” ending his message with “Go Yotes!”
South Dakota Athletics said a national search for the program’s next head coach will begin immediately.