Bryan Plenge was promoted to the Director of Olympic Sport Performance in April of 2025 after two years on staff. In his new role, he will work with men's basketball, softball, and both golf teams. He will also oversee the weight room operations for the Olympic sports, plus maintaining the nutrition station.
Plenge came to South Dakota in the spring of 2023 as an assistant strength and conditioning, working primarily with men’s basketball and volleyball.
He arrived in Vermillion after serving as a volunteer Olympic strength and conditioning coach for the University of Iowa. He assisted with the implementation of strength and conditioning programs for the Hawkeyes including the Iowa spirit squad.
Prior to his volunteer experience, Plenge served as the strength and conditioning graduate assistant for Western Illinois University. He coordinated and designed all aspects of physical preparation for men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and cross country. He also helped with all aspects of the Leatherneck football team. Plenge worked closely with athletic trainers to aid in athlete recovery and return to play.
Plenge first worked as an elementary physical education teacher and football assistant coach in Hannibal, Missouri, from 2013 to 2015. He then taught high school physical education while serving as an assistant on the football and basketball teams for Clark County School District in Kahoka, Missouri for six years until 2021. Since 2015, Plenge owned his own private fitness business training college basketball players at all levels to improve their athleticism and overall performance.
A native of Kahoka, Missouri, Plenge obtained his master’s degree in kinesiology from Western Illinois and his bachelor’s degree in education from Central Methodist University in 2013. He has CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association in addition to being CPR and AED certified.
UPDATED APRIL 2025
