RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Ryan Thompson has announced the new assistant men's soccer coach at South Dakota Mines, filling the vacant position.

Bill Schaefer has been officially announced as the newest full-time member of the South Dakota Mines soccer coaching staff. Schaefer has begun working in this role. 

"We are very happy to have Bill Schaefer step into our staff as an assistant," said Thompson. Bill comes to the Hardrocker family with a wealth of knowledge in soccer as well as teaching. He has been extremely influential within his roles in the Black Hills Rapids organization for several years. His teaching style, planning, preparation, and curriculum will be highly beneficial for the South Dakota Mines soccer program. He is the perfect fit to begin making his mark within the program and continue his work throughout the Rapid City community."

Schaefer has served with the local club team, the Black Hills Rapids since 2019. During his time there he has been a Pre-Select Director, Director of Recreational Soccer, and Director of the Center of Excellence. In these roles, his duties have ranged from producing curriculum, training coaches, focusing on tactical training of players, recruiting coaches and players, as well as other duties.

Prior to those roles with the Black Hills Rapids, Schaefer worked as the President of the Board of Directors for Sturgis Soccer from Oct. 2017-June 2019.

Since 2015, Schaefer has also served as a head coach for both the Sturgis Soccer and Black Hills Rapids organizations, coaching ages from under-5 up to under-19, producing several high-performing teams including #1 ranked in the State of South Dakota and nationally ranked teams.

Schaefer graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Sociology in 2005.

"I am excited for this new adventure," said Schaefer. "I appreciate Coach Thompson giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Hardrocker family and this athletic department. I'm happy to help take this team to the next level."

In addition to his duties as an assistant soccer coach, Schaefer will also assist the athletic communications office.

About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.