VERMILLION, S.D.—Watch the Coyote bench during a USD women's basketball game and you will notice a group of individuals as deeply invested in the game as the five players on the court. Among them is freshman guard
Claudia Kunzer, who has taken her spunky and outgoing personality to rile up her teammates in the most important moments of the game.
"I want to help the team in any way I can," Kunzer said. "Even if I'm not on the court, I can still be supportive and encouraging to my teammates who are on the floor. In high school, I was involved with the Montini Maniacs or the high school spirit club for football games. I'm bringing that energy to the Coyote bench this season.
"We have these 3-point celebrations for each teammate, we get loud on defense and we cheer for big moments. We want our energy to radiate out onto the court and support our teammates."
When South Dakota played No. 12 Tennessee this season, Kunzer had the opportunity to score her first collegiate points against the all-time winningest program in women's basketball history.
"It was definitely one of the top-three basketball experiences in my life," said Kunzer. "I had the jitters when checking into the game, but I think that got me ready to go. I will never forget scoring those two points. There was five seconds left on the shot clock and I decided to drive in. I made the basket and when I heard the referee whistle for an and-one, I went a little crazy. It was really cool how excited all of my teammates were for me and cheering me on."
The game against Tennessee was one of three at the Cancun Challenge held at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico. Kunzer and the Coyotes had the opportunity to spend six days at the resort while playing three games.
Outside of the games, shoot-arounds and practice, the Coyotes were able to spend their downtime enjoying the sunshine and the ocean. Kunzer took advantage of the hammock outside her room and read
Tuesdays with Morrie during the trip.
Traveling throughout the nonconference season has given the Coyotes plenty of team bonding opportunities.
"Our team is one big family, that's for certain," said Kunzer. "My coaches, my teammates and the community here in Vermillion have made me feel right at home. I love how close the team is and how everyone here has welcomed me with open arms. I know that I picked the right school."
Kunzer comes to South Dakota from Bartlett, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She helped Montini Catholic High School to a state championship title as a freshman and earned all-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference honors.
The lone daughter of Dan and Sandy, Kunzer grew up with three brothers. She started out playing basketball and baseball with the boys in the local recreational league.
"The person who got me into basketball and sports was my uncle [Scott Naples]," said Kunzer. "He was my coach when I first started out, playing both basketball and baseball with the boys. My uncle's a big contributor in getting me to where I am today."
Outside of basketball, Kunzer chose to follow in her mom's footsteps when deciding to major in nursing at USD.
"My mom always told me how great being a nurse was," Kunzer said. "I want to be a neonatal nurse, working in the NICU, like she used to. The babies are adorable and so tiny. I want to be able to play a part in helping save lives and taking care of newborns."
Kunzer and the rest of the Coyotes have eight days between games for the holidays. The Summit League slate kicks off with a doubleheader against Denver at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
