Media day for the South Dakota women’s basketball team. And like everything else circa 2020, it was different. Masked players and head coach Dawn Plitzuweit took questions from the media today via Zoom or some other virtual platform.
Something that caught my attention was a recurring phrase apart from the ones that have been a staple of the program since Coach P arrived, was this- “New Journey”
The 30-2 season that ended in only what could have been has been closed. Left on the shelf to review at a later date. This is the 2020-21 Yotes led by an impressive senior class. Lamb, Arens, Sjerven, Korngable, Kunzer. They all took questions and handled themselves like a group that has been through some stuff. Cut nets. While they each admitted this offseason was unusual, if any group is ready to lead their teams through it, this would certainly be one to bet on.
As a fan first and foremost, I love this team. They are the easiest team in the history of the world to root for. From Coach P to the athletic trainer at the end of the bench. They are more than a team, they are family and it’s awesome to witness and cheer for.
They get the ultimate test out of the gates. Number one South Carolina makes the trip to Sioux Falls to face the Yotes. Followed by 2 more power five foes. Three days into the season and we will have a pretty good sense of where the Coyotes are.
After 30-2 a year ago, a spread in Sports Illustrated, some air time with Scott Van Pelt, and a talented and veteran group back, Yote fans can dare to dream very, very big dreams. A new journey indeed.