USD Women's Track Dominates Big Sky Indoor Crown in Pocatello

POCATELLO, Idaho — The University of South Dakota women's track and field squad claimed the 2026 Big Sky Conference Indoor Championships title on Feb. 28, dominating with 180 points at the ICCU Dome. Hosted by Idaho State, the three-day meet saw the Coyotes outpace Montana State's women, who finished second with 135 points after five event wins including Caroline Hawkes in the 400 meters and Tatum Richards in pole vault. Eastern Washington tied for sixth with 38 points, highlighted by Judith Koumedzina's silver in the 200m.

USD's medal haul featured multiple individual standouts, building on their Summit League runner-up finishes earlier in Grand Forks where they swept podiums in the women's 800 meters and pole vault. Marleen Mülla, who cleared 14-3½ for Summit League gold, and Anna Willis, second at 13-3¾, later proved their prowess with silver and bronze in women's pole vault at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on March 14. These Big Sky triumphs underscore Vermillion's track program momentum under coach Ryan Wood.

The victory marks a pinnacle for South Dakota athletics in the Big Sky, where USD joined in 2020-21 after departing the Summit League. With 180 points, the Coyotes eclipsed pre-meet favorites, signaling depth across sprints, field events and relays vital for Mount Rushmore State pride. Local fans celebrated the haul, tying into USD's growing national footprint post-NCAA medals.