VERMILLION, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The University of South Dakota’s (USD) volleyball team recently captured the Summit League Championship in thrilling fashion, securing their fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament in just seven years. For head coach Leanne Williamson, this victory was both a monumental achievement and a testament to the tenacity and determination of her players. While the Coyotes’ success has become almost routine, with five NCAA appearances in seven years, each championship victory carries its own unique thrill and excitement.
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In a recent interview with Calling All Sports, Williamson shared her reflections on the triumph, the season, and what makes this year’s victory particularly special. The Coyotes’ triumph came after a hard-fought battle in Kansas City, where they faced off against their bitter rivals, the heavily favored South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits. Despite being the third seed, USD proved their mettle, defying expectations and emerging victorious.
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“It obviously does mean a lot to be able to jump out and take the win from the number one seed,” Williamson said, her voice brimming with pride. “And to be the first 3-seed to have to play the three days and be able to come out on top. A lot of good reasons as to why this was a special one, but I will tell you, I know we’ve won a lot, but this just never gets old.”
A Championship Run with a Surprising Twist
For the Coyotes, this championship run was nothing short of extraordinary. Going into the tournament, USD faced an uphill battle. The team was the 3-seed, while their fierce rivals from SDSU were the top seed and heavily favored to win. The odds were stacked against the Coyotes, but as Williamson points out, that didn’t deter them from believing in their potential.
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The tournament format, with teams needing to win three consecutive days of competition, added an additional layer of pressure. The Coyotes, however, embraced the challenge. They played with confidence, composure, and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of unity that made them a formidable opponent despite the odds. Williamson believes that this sense of togetherness was a key factor in their victory, stating that “there’s something special about the way these players connect with each other and the determination they bring to the court.”
After a series of intense matches, the Coyotes finally claimed the Summit League title. But Williamson’s satisfaction wasn’t just about the victory itself—it was about how her team had earned it. “This one felt different,” she remarked, explaining that the long tournament format made the win even sweeter. “We were battle-tested, and we had to dig deep each day. It showed what kind of character this team has.”
An Unexpected Rivalry at the Heart of the Win
The rivalry between USD and SDSU is one of the most passionate in collegiate volleyball, with both teams consistently fighting for supremacy in the Summit League. This year’s matchup was no different, and the pressure to overcome their rivals only added to the weight of the championship game.
“We’ve had some epic battles with them over the years, and this one was no exception,” Williamson said. “I think everyone in the building knew it would be a fight to the finish.” Despite being the underdogs, USD played with a level of intensity that left no doubt about their resolve. The crowd was on edge as the Coyotes took on the top seed, but with each set, USD showed why they belonged at the top.
For Williamson, this victory was especially meaningful because it came against SDSU. “It’s always a little sweeter when you can knock off a team that’s been so dominant,” she said, acknowledging the strength of the Jackrabbits. “But more than anything, I’m proud of how our team stuck together and stayed focused on the task at hand. They didn’t let the rivalry affect their approach. They just played their game and did what they needed to do.”
Beyond the Summit League Championship
While winning the Summit League Tournament and securing another NCAA Tournament appearance is a monumental accomplishment for the Coyotes, Williamson is already looking ahead to the next challenge. Her eyes are set on the NCAA Tournament, where USD will once again compete against some of the best teams in the country. The Coyotes have made a name for themselves on the national stage, and Williamson is confident that they have what it takes to make another deep run this year.
The Coyotes have a history of success in the NCAA Tournament, with their most recent appearance just adding to the legacy of the program. “It’s exciting every time we get the chance to play at the national level,” Williamson said. “But this group has a special chemistry. They’re hungry, and I think they’re ready to take on whatever comes next.”
At the same time, Williamson has nothing but respect for SDSU, who finished their season with an impressive 27-2 record. With such a strong showing in a league filled with talented teams, Williamson believes the Jackrabbits have earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. “They’ve had an incredible season, and they absolutely deserve a shot at the NCAA Tournament,” she said, showing sportsmanship and recognizing the greatness of her rivals. “I think the Summit League has proven once again that we can compete with the best, and SDSU should be recognized for that.”
A Legacy of Success and Dedication
As Leanne Williamson reflects on this latest victory, it’s clear that her dedication to the program, her players, and her community is at the heart of USD’s success. Her leadership style emphasizes not just skill development, but the importance of creating a strong team culture. “I’ve always believed that success is built on relationships, trust, and hard work,” Williamson said. “It’s about fostering a culture where everyone is invested in each other’s success, and I think that’s what sets us apart.”
For Williamson, this is not just about winning titles—though those are certainly part of the equation. It’s about helping young athletes grow, both on and off the court. “Seeing these players develop and reach their full potential, that’s the most rewarding part of the job,” she said. “The wins are great, but the growth of these young women, their journeys, and their stories are what I’ll remember the most.”
As the Coyotes prepare for the NCAA Tournament, they do so with the knowledge that they’ve already made history. This year’s Summit League Championship is just one more chapter in a story of excellence that has been written over the last several years. And while Williamson and her players savor the victory, they are also looking forward to the new challenges that await them on the national stage.
For now, however, they’ll cherish the memories made in Kansas City, where the Coyotes once again proved that anything is possible with grit, determination, and a team-first mentality. As for Leanne Williamson, she remains as passionate and committed as ever. “This never gets old,” she said, smiling. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Coyotes will find out on Sunday where they will be playing and who they’ll be facing in the NCAA Tournament. But one thing is for certain: with Leanne Williamson at the helm, USD will be ready for whatever comes next.
