By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls, along with Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jon Hart, are excited to announce the promotion of Emily DeGroot, Director of Athletic Training, to Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine & Wellness.
"Our entire department is thrilled to have Emily take on this role that emphasizes our commitment to the health and wellness of our student-athletes," stated Hart. "Emily continues to be a major advocate for our student-athletes and this appointment effectively captures our current and future goals."
A native of Raymond, Minnesota, DeGroot earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Northwestern College in 2015 followed by a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology and Sport Psychology from A.T. Still University in 2017. DeGroot has spent six years with the University and three years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Cougars developing injury evaluation and prevention programs along with management, treatment and rehabilitation programs. She currently coordinates coverage of athletic training services for events and staffing for home and road competitions and oversees the administration of physical examinations, medical referrals and assessments on an athlete's status for practice and competition. Additionally, DeGroot develops and enforces infectious disease control protocols and testing while overseeing concussion management and protocols.
DeGroot will join the administrative athletics team while championing efforts to enhance the health and wellness of athletics programs, and assisting with the management of athletics personnel. She will also continue to serve as a key athletics liaison for the Cougars partnership with Avera Sports Medicine.
"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve USF Athletics in a greater capacity," stated DeGroot. "While my responsibilities broaden, my dedication to our student-athletes remains unwavering. As Associate Athletic Director, I'll use my experience as head athletic trainer to ensure their physical and mental health remains at the forefront of every decision. Having witnessed the dedication and talent of our student-athletes first-hand, I'm excited to help foster an environment that empowers them to reach their full potential both as athletes and individuals."
Prior to USF, DeGroot was an assistant athletic trainer and head dance coach at her alma mater, Northwestern, for two years. She joined the athletic training staff at Avera Health in Sioux Falls in 2017 while serving as the head athletic trainer for Canton High School until 2018 when she transitioned to an assistant athletic trainer for USF.
DeGroot is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) through the BOC, licensed in South Dakota (LAT), and is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).