Gayle Hoover

A 1958 graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Hoover became the first collegian to score more than 2,000 career points, finished with 2,069 in becoming USF all-time leading scorer. At USF, Hoover earned four letters as he averaged 24.4 points per game over four years, including 28.5 points per game during the 1956-57 year. During his collegiate career, he was named first team All-SDIC three times (1955, 1956, 1957). After leaving USF, Hoover coached boys basketball at Parker (SD) High School for 34 years. He retired after the 1992-93 season as the state’s all-time wins leader with a 577-217 record. At Parker High School, Hoover, who also coached football, track and baseball, guided the Pheasants to eight state tournaments, including a runner-up finish in 1968, 1973 and 1974.  Hoover also is a member of the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame. He played second base on eight state fast pitch championship teams and coached the Sioux Falls Locke Electric women's fast pitch team to three straight state titles (1958-60).