VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota head strength and conditioning coach Clete McLeod has named Natalie Portwood as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. Portwood will work primarily with women's basketball and serve as the first assistant  for football.
 
Portwood served as a sports performance graduate assistant with Southeastern Oklahoma State. She was the primary strength coach for the Storm's basketball, volleyball and softball teams, while also assistanting as a strength coach for the football team. She designed, implemented and coached the teams' training programs. In addition, she developed nutrition materials and educated athletes on proper nutrition habits.
 
Portwood has additional experience as a strength and conditioning intern at both Nevada and North Texas.
 
Portwood graduated from the University of Nevada with a degree in kinesiology and is on track to receive her master's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State. She has CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and SCCC certification from the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, in addition to being CPR and AED certified.