University Of South Dakota Women's Basketball Coach
Success comes in different forms, but one of the most rewarding is the journey that takes you there. That is the story of Dawn Plitzuweit, the University of South Dakota Women's Basketball Coach. Her journey did not begin in USD, but rather it began in Northern Michigan as a young girl who had a dream to play college basketball.
With hard work and dedication, Coach Plitzuweit transformed her basketball dream into a reality by earning a full-ride scholarship to Northern Michigan University. Her journey in basketball was just beginning, and it would take her to different places where she would learn valuable lessons and develop her coaching style that has brought her and USD women's basketball team so much success.
Her Early Coaching Career
After playing and graduating from Northern Michigan University, Coach Plitzuweit began her coaching journey as an assistant coach at Lake Superior State University for three seasons. From there, she moved on to become an assistant coach at the University of Michigan for four seasons, and then another four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa. It was during her time as an assistant coach at Michigan that she realized she wanted to be a head coach.
Coach Plitzuweit's first head coaching job came in 2006 at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. In her first year as head coach, the team finished with a 14-15 record, a significant improvement from their 5-21 record the previous year. Over the next seven years, Coach Plitzuweit led the team to a 193-42 record, making her the winningest coach in the program's history. In her last year at GVSU in 2013, her team captured the NCAA Division II National Championship.
Her Arrival at USD
After her successful stint at GVSU, Coach Plitzuweit moved on to be the head coach at Northern Kentucky University for three seasons before moving to USD in 2016. In her first year at USD, she led the Coyotes to a 23-8 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament, where they won their first-round game. Over the next three seasons, she led the team to a 94-23 record, three Summit League Championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and an appearance in the WNIT Semi-Finals in 2021.
Coach Plitzuweit's style of coaching focuses on player development, teamwork, and hard work, on and off the court. She emphasizes the importance of academics and community involvement and empowers her players to be leaders both on and off the court. Her success at USD is a testimony to her coaching philosophy and unique approach.
A Coach for the Ages
Coach Plitzuweit's success extends beyond the basketball court. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to her players and the community have earned her numerous accolades, including the Summit League Women's Basketball Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2020. She has also been recognized by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2016.
Coach Plitzuweit's journey to success has been long and arduous, but her hard work, commitment, and passion for the game have taken her to places she never thought possible. Her story inspires young girls to follow their dreams and work hard to make them a reality. Coach Plitzuweit's legacy at USD and in the basketball community will continue to inspire generations of players and coaches for years to come.