Mays and Love Accept Positions at South Dakota

Women's Assistant Coach Tandem Mays accepted a graduate assistant position at South Dakota.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – The pipeline from Rogers State University to the University of South Dakota continues to flow as RSU women’s assistant coach Tandem Mays and men’s assistant coach Chuck Love have accepted positions on the Coyotes women’s basketball staff.

Mays and Love join former Hillcat women’s basketball coach Amy Williams’ staff at South Dakota, a NCAA Division I program. Mays will join the Yotes staff as a graduate assistant while Love accepted a position as an assistant coach for USD.

“I’m excited to have two familiar faces join my staff at South Dakota. Tandem played a major role in the success we accomplished at Rogers State and will make an impact with the Yotes,” said former RSU women’s basketball coach Amy Williams. “Chuck has a great understanding of strong defensive fundamentals and possesses a passion for the game that will translate well to my staff.”

In her four years on the Hillcat coaching staff, Mays helped RSU to a 64-percent winning percentage in her four years as the Cats tallied a record of 84-47. Mays was responsible for on the court skill development of guards and was involved in recruiting, scouting, academic development and team travel. Under her tutelage five Hillcat guards earned All-Sooner Athletic Conference recognition and three were named NAIA All-Americans. RSU finished the 2011-12 season ranked No. 21 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.

Love helped coach the Cats back to the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament quarterfinals in his lone season on coach Justin Barkley’s staff. RSU posted a 24-9 record, finishing No. 8 in the NAIA Coaches’ Postseason Poll. Love was responsible for recruiting, scouting and on the court development of post players. Last season two RSU post players were named to the all-conference honorable mention squad.

“Chuck has been a great asset in the short amount of time he was here. He has a positive, energetic personality that we will miss,” said men’s head coach Justin Barkley. “Chuck has a bright future and is following a great coach that will be successful.”

The search for Mays’ and Love’s replacements will begin immediately.