Faith’s Bryan Carmichael is the 2025 girls basketball recipient of the Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence Award.

Carmichael began his coaching career in Faith in 1992 and has dedicated the past 30 years as the head coach of the girls basketball program. With over 400 career wins, he has earned recognition as a two-time Region Coach of the Year and has led his team to five state tournament appearances.

This award is in honor of the late Larry Luitjens of DeSmet and Custer for his legendary impact and influence on athletes and fans of the state of South Dakota.  Last year's recipients were coach Terry Nelson of Britton-Hecla and coach Eldon Marshall of White River.  

The Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence Award will recognize a girls basketball coach and a boys basketball coach each season. The award’s objective is to pay tribute to Luitjens and honor coaches that stood for his core coaching values.

Luitjens, South Dakota’s all-time basketball coaching wins leader, was a legend in high school sports. Luitjens' career spanned four decades, during which time he guided his teams to 17 state tournaments, 13 state championship games, and seven state titles. 

Luitjens, who won a state-record 748 games, died in 2023.