Idaho women’s basketball Head Coach Carrie Eighmey has accepted the head coaching position at University of South Dakota, University of Idaho Athletic officials confirmed Monday evening.
This news comes after Eighmey finished the 2023-2024 season at 15-16. She joined UI as head coach less than a year ago. She is leaving amidst a changing UI roster. Five players entered the transfer portal, including First Team Big Sky Conference player Kennedy Johnson, as well as Aspen Caldwell, Madelyn Muniz, Janna Kilty and Georgia Gray.
Eighmey has signed seven players from the transfer portal for the 2024-2025 season, including Colorado transfer Ruthie Loomis-Goltl, Cal State Fullerton transfer Hope Hassman, Louisiana Tech transfer Anja Bukvic and Stephen F. Austin transfer Tyler McCliment-Call.
This move puts into question how many of these transfers will stay for the next season. They can rescind their intent to transfer, however, it does not guarantee their scholarship security at their original school, according to the NCAA transfer guidelines.
Eighmey’s husband, Devin Eighmey, is also leaving the program, a UI Athletics official confirmed. He was the recruiting coordinator and an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. Assistant coaches Drew Muscatell and Arthur Moreira are staying.
University of South Dakota women’s basketball Head Coach Kayla Karius left to coach at her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, as of six days ago, according to the university’s women’s basketball website.
Eighmey’s single season in Moscow was riddled with injuries. She lost the team’s leading scorer Hope Butera midway through the season due to injury.
Prior to Idaho, Eighmey coached at Nebraska-Kearney for eight years. She led the team to three consecutive NCAA D-II tournaments, including a Sweet 16 appearance in the 2020-2021 season.
UI athletic officials did not respond to an inquiry about how Idaho will approach replacing Eighmey for the upcoming season.
Joanna Hayes can be reached at [email protected]