South Dakota Women's Basketball Completes Turnaround Season

Angelina Robles and Elise Turrubiates discuss their team's chemistry and 12-win improvement.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The University of South Dakota women's basketball team has completed a remarkable turnaround season, improving from 11 wins last year to 23 wins this year. Team leaders Angelina Robles and Elise Turrubiates spoke about the key factors behind their team's success, including improved chemistry and a renewed focus.

Why it matters

The Coyotes' turnaround is an inspiring story of a team coming together and exceeding expectations. Their success highlights the power of team chemistry and the impact a coaching staff can have in developing players and instilling a winning culture.

The details

Robles and Turrubiates, two of the team's top players, credited the squad's improved chemistry and renewed focus as the driving forces behind their 12-win improvement. The players emphasized how they've gelled as a unit and pushed each other to new heights this season.

  • The Coyotes went from 11 wins in the 2024-25 season to 23 wins in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Angelina Robles

A key player on the University of South Dakota women's basketball team.

Elise Turrubiates

Another top player on the University of South Dakota women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We've really come together as a team this season and our chemistry has been a big part of our success.”

— Angelina Robles (argusleader.com)

“The coaching staff has done a great job of pushing us and helping us reach our full potential as a team.”

— Elise Turrubiates (argusleader.com)

The takeaway

The University of South Dakota women's basketball team's remarkable turnaround season is a testament to the power of team chemistry, coaching, and a relentless drive to improve. Their success serves as an inspiration for other programs looking to build a winning culture.