University of South Dakota to Add Women’s Triathlon

There's something new heading to the University of South Dakota next year.

The Coyotes are adding women’s triathlon as their 18th varsity sport, beginning with the 2018-19 school year.

The move was made part thanks to an Emerging Sport Grant through USA Triathlon. The three-year grant provides funding for NCAA Division I, II and III institutions to develop, implement, grow and sustain women’s triathlon programs.

Eight NCAA schools were the first to receive the grant two years ago, including Black Hills State in Spearfish.

Currently 19 schools offer women’s triathlon as a varsity sport, with Arizona State defending their National Championship, earlier this month. USD becomes the third Division I institution to offer triathlon, joining Arizona State and East Tennessee State.

The Coyotes will offer three scholarships for the initial 2018 season.

Women’s triathlon competes in the fall season with four to six competitions per year. The sport combines a 750-meter swim, 20,000-meter bike ride and 5,000-meter run.