In a remarkable achievement for the University of South Dakota, the Coyotes’ triathlon team has garnered prominent accolades from the College Triathlon Coaches Association (CTCA), showcasing the commitment and excellence of South Dakota’s athletes both in competition and academia.
Chelsea Webber, a notable member of the South Dakota Coyotes triathlon team, has been named a CTCA First Team Scholar All-American for 2026. This marks an uplifting turnaround in her collegiate career following her honorable mention in 2023.
The honor of being a CTCA Scholar All-American represents the highest echelon of student-athlete success, necessitating placement in the top 21 of their division at the National Championships, alongside a minimum GPA of 3.5 during the fall semester.
In addition to Webber’s individual accolades, the South Dakota triathlon team also received the prestigious Scholar All-American Team honor. This recognition was awarded for maintaining a collective team GPA of 3.2 or higher for the 2025 season—an indication of the intellectual commitment embodied by the team’s athletes.
- Franziska Neck
- Ella Spitz
- Clara Williams
- Sydni Sawyer
All four athletes achieved a GPA of 3.5 or better and participated beyond their inclusion in the top 21 rankings.
The Coyotes’ achievement reinforces the University of South Dakota’s commitment to fostering a culture where athletics and scholarship coexist harmoniously. It stands testament to the dedicated efforts of student-athletes excelling in managing the dual demands of sport and study.
South Dakota has always been pivotal in supporting its athletes to reach high academic and athletic standards. The University of South Dakota, nestled in the historic roots of Vermillion, remains a venerable institution where education and sports forcefully align, underscored by continuous state and regional enthusiasm.
The Coyotes, with a formidable presence, not only excel in triathlon but embrace a wide range of competitive sports, making significant strides in promoting regional talent. Athletic performances extend beyond physical accomplishments, encompassing academic integrity as portrayed by the triathlon team’s recent honor.
It wasn’t just Webber’s name highlighted this season; her previous recognition as a CTCA All-American in November of 2025 with teammate Alexa Magallon heats the trail of South Dakota triumphs.
This collective success resonates with the supportive community celebrated throughout South Dakota. Emphasizing roots in Midwestern traditions, the CBC River, and a steadfast connection to the landscapes, the University molds not just athletes but community leaders.
Future prospects for South Dakota look vibrant, given this talent-blooms phase contributing to the state’s growth and appeal on a national scale. Echoes of supporters and fans reverberate from the Missouri River to the prairie heartlands, aligning fervent support with every triumph.