Former Yote football players gathered together at a reunion

Coyote Brotherhood

Once a Yote.Always a Yote.

Football is played for only a few years. Being a Yote lasts a lifetime.

About Yotes4Life

The Bond Continues Beyond the Game

Yotes4Life was founded on the belief that the bonds formed through University of South Dakota football should continue long after the final whistle.

Yotes4Life exists to care for former players, connect generations, and preserve the stories of the people who built our football tradition.

Every former player matters. Every family matters. Every story matters.
Former Players Families Stories

Why We Exist

Preserving the People

The University will always preserve the football program. Yotes4Life exists to preserve the people.

While athletic programs naturally focus on today's team and tomorrow's success, Yotes4Life focuses on the lifelong brotherhood that continues long after a player's college career has ended.

No Yote should ever walk through life's challenges alone. No Yote's story should ever be forgotten.

Our Mission

Four Areas of Focus

Yotes4Life serves former Yote football players and their families through four connected areas of focus.

Prayer & Care

Supporting former players and families during illness, hardship, and times of need.

Legacy & Family

Honoring those who came before us, supporting families after the loss of a loved one, and preserving the stories of former players for future generations.

Young Yote & Career Support

Helping younger former players build successful careers through mentorship, networking, and the experience of those who came before them.

Brotherhood & Connection

Building lifelong relationships through our Captain Program, Advisory Council, and opportunities for former players to stay connected across generations.

Coyote Brotherhood memorial stone honoring Mike Lee, number 66

Forever Yote Legacy Initiative

Every Yote Has a Story

One of our newest initiatives is the Forever Yote Legacy Initiative. Its purpose is simple: Every Yote has a story. Every story deserves to be remembered.

Through family memories, teammate stories, interviews, photographs, and digital tributes, we hope to preserve the lives and legacy of every former Yote for future generations.

We are not simply preserving history. We are preserving relationships.

Brotherhood Across Generations

Connected for Life

Building lifelong relationships through our Captain Program, Advisory Council, and opportunities for former players to stay connected across generations.

Multiple generations of former Yote football players gathered together

Our Leadership

Led by Yotes Who Serve

Yotes4Life is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, an Advisory Council, and a growing team of Captains representing every generation of Yote football. Together, they help fulfill the mission of serving former players and their families.

Board of Directors Advisory Council Captains

Our Promise

You Will Always Have a Place

Whether you played in the 1960s or today...

Whether you were an All-American or a scout team player...

Whether you live in South Dakota or across the country...

You will always have a place in the Yote family.

Once a Yote. Always a Yote.

Vision Statement

To build a lifelong community where no Yote is forgotten, no family stands alone, every story is preserved, and the bonds of brotherhood continue for generations to come.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to care for Yotes beyond the game by supporting former players and their families through prayer, meaningful relationships, preserving the stories of our brotherhood, and connecting generations of Yotes for life.

Continue Exploring

Stay Connected to the Brotherhood

Captains Advisory Council & Board Photos Directory