RAPID CITY, S.D. – After several years with the South Dakota Mines athletic department, Hannah Wendel has been promoted to Associate Athletic Trainer.

With the department since 2019, Wendel currently covers football and men's basketball as her primary sports but has also covered soccer in her time with South Dakota Mines.

"Hannah has been with the program for five years and has proven herself to be a key member of the Sports Medicine team, said head athletic trainer Kaleb Birney. He added, she helped guide the student-athletes through the COVID-19 pandemic and was vital during the new staff transition and a major asset to the department, continuing to prove that she is more than deserving of this promotion."

Prior to her time at South Dakota Mines, Wendel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in May of 2019 with a bachelor of science degree in athletic training. During her time at UW-Eau Claire, Wendel competed as a member of the gymnastics team and worked in athletic training, covering football, volleyball, softball, wrestling and track & field.

"I am excited to continue working with our student athletes, coaches, and administration as a part of the Hardrocker Family in this expanded role, said Wendel. I am passionate about my work with our incredible student athletes and am grateful to have this opportunity to grow and I would like to thank Kaleb Birney, Joel Lueken and the entire athletics team for their continued support and faith in me."

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 13 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.