University of South Dakota Athletics

Kyle Smith joined the South Dakota athletics development team as the Assistant AD for Development in August 2026, joining Associate AD for Development/CRO Logan Bornholdt's team in the Yote Fund.

A native of Broken Bow, Nebraska, Smith arrives in Vermillion with a wealth of experience in different fields.
 
His most recent job was with his alma mater (Hastings) where he was the Director of Major Gifts for the Hastings College Foundation. In this time, Smith managed the portfolios of high-capacity individuals, corporations and foundations to secure major gifts for Hastings. 
 
His first stop at the collegiate level as a professional was at Bucknell University where was the manager of athletic development. In his two-year stint, Smith led the 2017 Bison March for Excellence, a 24-hour fundraising marathon which raised over $520k for varsity athletic programs.
 
After his time in Lewisburg, Smith transitioned to the Director of Development of the Annual Fund (Cowboy Joe Club) at the University of Wyoming. Smith led the funding strategy, contributing to the growth of the largest athletic donor organization in Mountain West Conference History.
 
Smith graduated from Hastings College (Neb.) with a degree in Business Administration and Sports Management/Recreation Administration. He then went on to earn his master’s in education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington.