Black Hills State University Women's Basketball coach Kelly Kruger announced the signing of three new players for the 2026 class: Olivia Kieffer, Greta Dillinger, and Sophi Pinello. This addition strengthens the team ahead of the 2026-27 season, joining fellow newcomers Jaisie Janssen and Blake Thompson. The recruits bring a mix of experience and talent to the program, promising significant contributions in the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Olivia Kieffer: 2,500 career points, 751 rebounds, and 413 assists at Rapid City Christian H.S.
  • Greta Dillinger: 41.1% shooting from three-point range during her freshman season at Augustana.
  • Sophi Pinello: Averaged 14 points per game and 6 assists per game in her senior year at Castle View H.S.
Yes, But

While these players have impressive stats and backgrounds, the transition to a new program may present challenges. Success in college basketball also relies heavily on team chemistry and adapting to different coaching styles.

State of Play
  • Coach Kruger emphasizes the importance of building team chemistry with these new recruits.
  • The addition of experienced players like Kieffer could enhance the team's overall performance this coming season.
What's Next

The team is heading into preseason preparations, where the new recruits will need to quickly integrate with returning players. Anticipation builds around how these athletes will mesh and what roles they will occupy on the court.

Bottom Line

The signings of Kieffer, Dillinger, and Pinello could significantly impact Black Hills State鈥檚 women's basketball program, reinforcing the objective of building a competitive team for the upcoming season. Their diverse skill sets and experience suggest a positive future for the program.