VERMILLION, SD (GoYotes.com) —South Dakota women’s basketball coach Kayla Karius announced Tuesday that she has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Karius compiled a 37-29 record in two seasons with the Coyotes. South Dakota reached the Women’s National Invitation Tournament’s round of 16 in her second season at the helm.

A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Karius returns to her alma mater in Green Bay. She was a standout on the basketball court for the Phoenix, earning the 2011 Horizon League Player of the Year award. She led Green Bay to four Horizon League titles, three NCAA Tournaments and the NCAA Sweet 16 her senior year. She received the Horizon League Cecil N. Colman Medal of Honor at the conclusion of her playing career.

“We appreciate coach Karius for her two years of leadership for Coyote women’s basketball,” said USD athletic director Jon Schemmel. “We wish her and her family the best as she goes back to her alma mater and to be close to home.

“I believe USD is one of the best mid-major jobs in the country and we will launch a national search immediately to find a candidate who believes that as well. We expect to compete for championships every year and I look forward to finding someone who is excited to share in that vision and is committed to USD and the Vermillion community. Our student-athletes and fans deserve nothing less.”

A national search for the 12th head coach in South Dakota women’s basketball history will begin immediately.