BROOKINGS — The Jackrabbits women's basketball team is adding a legend to its coaching staff.
Macy Miller, perhaps the greatest girls' and women's basketball player in state history, has been named an assistant coach under Aaron Johnston, the school announced Friday.
The Mitchell native replaces Carissa Thielver, who is leaving coaching to spend more time with her family. Thielver, who spent 10 seasons on the Jackrabbits' staff, is married to Minnesota Twins pitcher Caleb Thielber.
Miller, who graduated from SDSU in 2019, spent the past three seasons at NAIA Northwestern University as an assistant under fellow former Jackrabbit Kristin Rothert. The Red Raiders have appeared in three national championships during Miller's three years on the staff, posting a 62-32 record. Prior to that, Miller spent the 2020-21 season on SDSU's staff as a graduate assistant.
As a player, few players have had as much of an impact on South Dakota women's basketball as Miller. Miller, the player who set her record with the Colonels, came to SDSU as one of the most touted players to join the Jacks, and she quickly rose to prominence as one of the best players in school history. established her position. A two-time Summit League Player of the Year, she is the school's all-time leading scorer (2,355 points) and led the Jacks to their first Sweet 16 as a senior in 2019.
From there, she was drafted by the WNBA's Seattle Storm and played one season of professional basketball in Spain before beginning her coaching career.
“We are thrilled to welcome Macy back to the Jackrabbit family,” said Johnston. “Macy brings a unique combination of servant leadership and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be an elite athlete at this level. She is motivated to help others succeed. ” – Athlete. ”
Thielber leaves after a successful career that helped the Jacks become a nationally respected Division I program. The Jacks appeared in seven NCAA tournaments during her tenure and won a combined 14 Summit League titles (regular or postseason).
“I would like to thank Carissa for her leadership and guidance for her dedication to the young women in our program,” Johnston said. “I have no doubt that her positive influence will remain on our student-athletes for years to come. We wish Carissa and her family all the best.”
Matt Zimmer is a Sioux Falls native and longtime sportswriter. He graduated from Washington High School, where he played football, Legion baseball and developed his lifelong love for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, he returned to Sioux Falls and began his long career in amateur baseball and sports reporting. Email Matt at mzimmer@siouxfallslive.com.