University of South Dakota head women’s basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit is leaving the Coyotes to take the head coaching job at West Virginia.
Plitzuweit spent six seasons in Vermillion, making the NCAA Tournament four seasons in a row, including a Sweet 16 appearances this season.
USD’s season ended this past Saturday with a Sweet 16 loss vs. Michigan, 52-49. The Coyotes had a 29-6 overall record.
West Virginia went 15-15 this season, finishing 7th in the Big XII with a 7-11 conference record.
“I am so incredibly excited and humbled to be your women’s basketball coach at West Virginia University,” Plitzuweit said. “Thank you to President Gordon Gee, Shane Lyons, Keli Zinn and Matt Wells for this great opportunity, their confidence in me and for their tremendous support of our program. Also, a very special thank you to Coach Mike Carey and the tremendous foundation which he built and congratulations on his retirement. I am absolutely thrilled to lead our Mountaineer program at the Flagship Institution in West Virginia.”
“I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank our players, administration and all of Coyote Nation at the University of South Dakota for everything they have done for me, my family and for our program. I will miss you all so much and hope that we can recruit you to cheer for the Mountaineers now.
Plitzuweit earned $275,000 in her last season with USD. She will have a five-year contract worth a total of $3 million. Her starting salary in year one will be $550,000, plus incentives.
Plitzuweit had a 158-36 record in her six years at USD.