VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota Athletics is proud to announce the promotion of Bryan Plenge into the role of USD Director of Olympic Sport Performance, leading the Olympic sport performance arm of South Dakota athletics.

In his new role, Plenge will work directly with men's basketball, softball, and both golf teams. He will also oversee the weight room operations and the nutrition station, while overseeing the department as a whole.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Director of Olympic Sports Performance," said Plenge. "I am excited to continue working with the amazing student-athletes and people of USD, while fostering the culture of success throughout the department."

He joined the Coyote athletic department in the spring of 2023 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. In his two academic years at USD, he's primarily worked with the men's basketball and volleyball programs.

Prior to coming to Vermillion, he served as a volunteer strength coach at the University of Iowa. He assisted with multiple Hawkeye Olympic sports and the Iowa spirit squads.

He spent two seasons at Western Illinois University (2021-23) as a graduate assistant where he worked with Leatherneck men's and women's basketball, baseball, and cross country. He also assisted in the training of WIU football, while leading the weight room maintenance and set-up.

Additionally, Plenge has spent time at the high school and elementary levels, serving different educational roles such as Physical Education and Fitness teacher in Missouri. He additionally also serves as a private sector trainer, working with different level of athletes – from beginner to collegiate athletes.

Plenge holds a degree in education from Central Methodist University (Mo.) in 2013. He earned his master's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University in May 2023.