VERMILLION, S.D. – Former Loper and Broncos women's basketball coach Carrie Eighmey has been hired as the new WBB coach at South Dakota, the university announced Tuesday. 

Eighmey coached the Idaho Vandals to a 15-16 record last season in her lone year in Idaho. 

She replaces former USD head coach Kayla Karius, who spent two seasons with the Coyotes, where she went 37-29 at the helm. 

"I am so excited to have Carrie Eighmey joining the Coyote family," said South Dakota Athletic Director Jon Schemmel. "She is a proven winner. Her energy is infectious and is matched only by her passion for teaching and impacting the lives of the young women she coaches. I couldn't imagine a better fit to be the next leader of our women's basketball program and I am thrilled to welcome her and Devin to USD and the Vermillion community."

Previously, Eighmey spent eight years as the University of Nebraska-Kearney WBB head coach from 2015-23, where she compiled a 165-74 (111-54) record, and made three NCAA Division II tournaments. 

Eighmey also coached Hastings College from 2012-2015, where she recorded a 68-31 (41-19) record with two NAIA tournament appearances. 

She has compiled a 248-121 record for a career win percentage of .672 in 12 years as a head coach. In all, she brings 20 years of coaching experience.

"I am honored to accept the role as the head coach of the South Dakota women's basketball program!" said Eighmey. "There is a long history and tradition of success and excellence here and I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to continue building on that tradition. I have followed this program for many years and I've always been impressed by the support of the Coyote fan base. I am excited to get to work and see what we can build together!"

Eighmey will be officially introduced at a later date still to be determined. 

Coaching Experience
2004-08: Hastings College (Head Assistant Coach)
2008-12: Fort Hays State University (Head Assistant Coach)
2012-15: Hastings College (Head Coach)
2015-23: University of Nebraska at Kearney (Head Coach)
2023-24: University of Idaho (Head Coach)
2024: University of South Dakota (Head Coach)