VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota recent graduate Jasmine Trimboli has been presented the Iron Will Award by the South Dakota Athletic Trainers' Association (SDATA). Also recognized with the award is USD athletic trainer Kylea Sheley.
 
The SDATA Iron Will Award serves to honor outstanding athletes who have successfully returned to competition following a serious athletic injury. It also serves to honor the certified athletic trainer who played a major role in working with the athlete.
 
As a fifth-year senior for the Coyotes, Trimboli garnered Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, Summit League Sixth Woman of the Year and all-Summit League second team honors. She averaged 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 23.4 minutes per game. Trimboli defended all five positions on the floor and scored at a team-best 53.7 percent clip.
 
Trimboli flourished on the court this season, but her competition and many fans were unaware of the struggles she had overcome off the court.
 
A native of Adelaide, Australia, Trimboli's injury battle began in 2010 when she tore her first ACL in a high school tournament championship game. She tore her other ACL prior to coming to the United States to play collegiately at Iowa Western Community College. Trimboli underwent another set of meniscal surgeries on her knees while at Iowa Western, but continued to excel on the court. The Coyotes entered the picture in 2015-16, when Trimboli joined a talented roster that helped South Dakota claim Summit League and Women's National Invitation Tournament titles.
 
Trimboli was expected to be a top returner for the Coyotes in 2016-17, but during a preseason practice she suffered another meniscus tear which would require her to undergo surgery yet again. During her procedure, an osteochrondral defect was found as her femur was taking a toll from the long list of injuries to her knees. Dr. Brad Reeves discussed the findings with Trimboli after her surgery and determined the best course of action.
 
The senior underwent her seventh knee surgery in December of 2016 with Reeves. After that surgery, she began the lengthy rehabilitation process with daily exercises under the guidance of Sheley and Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. The rehabilitation process continued into the summer of 2017 when she was given clearance to return to team workouts.
 
Trimboli made the most of her final season with the Coyotes, helping the team become the first undefeated Summit League Champion in 24 years and advance to the quarterfinals of the WNIT.
 
Trimboli and Sheley were presented with the SDATA Iron Will Award on Wednesday at the annual SDATA banquet.