Avera Sports

09/01/2025

At Avera, Sept. 1 is a time to honor the strong values handed down to us from our Founders, the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters. This year carries special meaning as we mark 25 years since the Benedictine Health System and Presentation Health System came together as one ministry in 2000. The sisters express their heartfelt gratitude for the work each member of our team does to carry the Avera mission forward and make a difference in the lives of those we serve in the video below. Happy Founders Day!

08/28/2025

Sue Strand is getting back on her feet after years of searching for answers. Following a corrective surgery, she joined a life-changing clinical trial for pain management. Learn more about Sue's condition and the unique therapy that had her dancing for joy in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/4n73a38.

08/27/2025

We've all heard that potassium is good for preventing muscle cramps, but did you know it plays an even more essential role in our diet? Benefits include:
🍌 Lowered chance of stroke or heart attack
🥦 Regulated blood pressure
🍅 Improved kidney function
Learn how low potassium could be impacting your health and how to add more of this electrolyte to your daily meals at https://bit.ly/3UNNQMw.

Most people need more potassium in their diets. That’s because it plays a big role in keeping your body functioning smoothly. Learn the best foods to boost your levels.

08/26/2025

From unpredictable hours to financial pressures, life on the farm comes with challenges that can take a toll on mental health. Asking for help isn't always easy, but Avera's Farm and Rural Stress Hotline is available for support. Karl Oehlke, an Avera Behavioral Health physician assistant and a farmer, shares why many in agriculture hesitate to seek help and how this resource can make a difference at https://bit.ly/4mrZYPs.

08/25/2025

🔥Last week to get signed up for our Fall
Youth Acceleration classes🔥

Designed for 10-12 year olds, our program builds strong, athletic foundations through ground-based mechanics, speed, and coordination drills. Start them young, set them up for success!

Classes run September 8th to November 14th.

Sign up using the Avera Sport app.

08/21/2025

Jay Wempe doesn't have to travel far for cutting-edge cancer care. By joining the new clinical trials offered at the Avera Cancer Institute in Mitchell, SD, he's receiving quality colon cancer treatment close to home. Learn about Jay's cancer journey and how the team in Mitchell is making his treatment easier in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/4fRjuT4.

08/19/2025

Kids are heading back to school this week while enterovirus is on the rise. 🦠 Dr. Daniel Boadwine, an Avera pediatrician, explains what you should be on the lookout for and what you can do to prevent your child from bringing it home at https://bit.ly/473Yk1K.

08/19/2025

They’ve been with us for years, and this fall they’ll both be at the same school once again as they head off to Dordt University. Today’s Off to School profile features siblings and former Sioux Falls Christian star athletes, and (as well as a cameo by another recently featured harrier from SFC, Jackson Prins)!

Graduating just this past spring, Levi capped the transition from distance to sprint events over his high school career and found enormous success in the open 100m and 200m, as well as the 4x100, 4x200, SMR and 4x400m, which included a 3rd leg PR split on that state-winning 2025 relay team.

Returning for his third collegiate season, older brother Isaac has only continued to add to his prolific high school running career, which culminated in his senior year with his defending both his 800 and 1600m open titles, as well as earning 1st place finishes as part of SFC’s 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. In college, after just two seasons, Isaac has further established himself as one of the premier long-sprinters and middle-distance runners in the country, having clocked 22 and 47 seconds in the 200m and 400m, respectively, while recording 1:17 and 1:51 in the 600m and 800m. Good for a 4th place finish at the 2025 Indoor Nationals, Isaac’s 600m performance earned him All-America honors, as did his contributions to his team’s 6th place in the 4x400m 2025 Indoor Nationals and 7th place in the 4x800m in the 2025 Outdoor Nationals.

Though we won’t be seeing you like we have these past couple of months, it has been great having you in this summer and we’ll be excited for both of you as fall track training kicks off. Best of luck at school, guys!

08/18/2025

It’s another week of showcasing athletes who are Off to School, and today, we highlight Sioux Valley’s !

A fixture among South Dakota’s All-Time bests, Isabelle earned Class A state championships in cross-country as well in the 1600 and 3200 meters on the track. In addition to her exploits involving track spikes, Isabelle also notched 1000+ points on the basketball court as part of the Cossacks hoopsters.

For the past several years Isabelle has been an avid participant in a number of our on-going research studies involving high school distance runners; and it became obvious, straight away, that she was a real student of her sport—always interested in fine-tuning her running stride and asking questions about different training techniques and tactics.

Isabelle is off to the nationally regarded distance running powerhouse, University of New Mexico, where she’ll be able to train outdoors, year-round, as a Lobo. Best of luck, Isabelle, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for you!

08/15/2025

He doesn’t officially report for fall training camp until the week of August 17, but today’s Off to School feature athlete is none other than recent Sioux Falls Christian standout, !

We’ve known Jackson since he entered high school, and to see how he emerged as one of the top distance runners in the state over his high school career has been absolutely fantastic. At last fall’s state cross-country meet, Jackson snared the 8th spot among stiff Class A competition, while during the spring track season he placed 5th and 4th, respectively, in the finals of the 1600 and 3200, while setting PRs at these distances along the way.

This fall Jackson heads off to perennial distance running powerhouse, Dordt University, where he’ll compete in both cross-country and track. Best of luck to you, Jackson—we’ve had fun times working with you and we’ll be following this next chapter of your running!

08/15/2025

If you're like many area gardeners, you've got zucchini piling up! This garden favorite is healthy, versatile and ready for your plate. Check out these fresh recipes to turn your surplus into something delicious at https://bit.ly/45hK7gh.

08/14/2025

Already back to college after a summer of training back home in Sioux Falls, today’s Off to School nod is to , former Sioux Falls Lincoln High School standout.

A state high school cross-country champ, as well as earning titles on the track, Ali’s high school success has taken her to the University of Nebraska, where last year (her sophomore season) she had breakout performances in cross-country and track, including qualifying for last fall’s DI Cross-Country Nationals, while also setting PRs in both the 5K and 10K during the spring.

It is always a good day when we get to see Ali—no one works harder in the gym, and she is great example of what happens with hard work, dedication and sticking to the plan. Good luck this year, Ali!

08/13/2025

From missing milestones to unpopular dinners, moms can be their own toughest critics, but you're doing better than you think. Give yourself a pep-talk by remembering these tips:
❤️ Aim for a B+: the perfect mom doesn't exist! Give yourself some grace.
❤️ Avoid isolation: connect with other moms, in-person. They'll understand your struggles.
❤️ Embrace the mess: own your mistakes and move on.
❤️ Erase the stigma: it's okay to ask for help!
Learn more tips for coping with parental misgivings and how to connect with an expert at https://bit.ly/3HvTiR6.

08/12/2025

Off to School Week continues with a big hi-5 to , who in the coming days sets off for her freshman year of cross-country and track at the University of South Dakota!

A frequent occupant atop the podium during high school track, Sarah was an instrumental member of Brandon Valley’s many state champion relay teams in recent years, including the 4x800 group that set the state record in 2024. And off the track, Sarah was an academic star, including being named the recipient of the 2025 Howard Wood Scholarship.

Among our staff, Sarah has been a favorite during each summer and winter training season since 2022, and we’re certainly going to miss her! All the best, Sarah—we’ll be cheering you on!

08/12/2025

Helping your student cope with new teachers and unfamiliar routines can get their school year off to a great start. Amanda Enestvedt, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner from Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, shares tips to recognize back-to-school anxiety and help your child feel better about the new year at https://bit.ly/4mDFG58.

08/11/2025

Off to School Week begins with shout-outs to two former Sioux Falls O’Gorman standouts, and !

Ruth is an internationally-ranked triathlete at the University of Arizona, who recently placed 2nd at USA Triathlon’s Junior Nationals in West Chester, OH; she returns for her sophomore year as part of the Wildcats, and looks to build on a first year.

Libby, one of the top high school distance runners in the United States in 2025, and one of the most decorated distance runners in the history of South Dakota, arrives this week in Chapel Hill, NC, where she embarks on her inaugural season with the Tar Heels cross-country and track programs.

Best wishes to both of these young ladies—we’ll just be hangin’ around until we see you next!

08/10/2025

Avera teamed up with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses for Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds this week. 🌾 Volunteers welcomed thousands of farmers and their families with take-home goodies and provided information about Avera's Farm and Rural Stress Hotline. Thank you to all the farmers for your hard work and dedication! 💚

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

Dawn Sampson is making positive lifestyle changes after a robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Mitchell, SD. Thanks to the new-to-the-area technology, her procedure was less invasive and her recovery was faster. Learn about Dawn's journey and the benefits this tool brings to patients in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/4m7XLsm.

08/06/2025

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken follows his heart when it comes to city issues and prioritizing his own wellness. 🫀 After completing a Planet Heart screening through Avera, he's sharing how small changes can make a big impact on your heart health. Learn about his experience and why he is urging everyone to sign up at https://bit.ly/40U6Dcv.

06/05/2025

You may have noticed the addition of keypad gates on courts 1-4 at the Linda Erickson Pickleball Complex behind the Human Performance Center. These are membership-only courts and are only open for members who have reserved the space through the Avera Sports app. We ask that if you are not a member, please respect the rules and leave these courts open for members who reserve them.

There are signs posted on courts 5-12 that explain the rules of play when all courts are in use. When all courts are full, place your paddle in the rack and share courts, rotating in and out according to the posted rules. No singles will be allowed at this time. If you want to play with a group, you can do so when there are open courts or by securing membership and reserving a court. If you would like to become a member, it includes indoor and outdoor pickleball for $50 per month. For more information, contact the Avera Human Performance Center at 605-322-3278.

05/19/2025

🔥 Last week to get signed up for our Summer Youth Acceleration classes🔥

Designed for 10-12 year olds, our program builds strong, athletic foundations through ground-based mechanics, speed, and coordination drills. Start them young, set them up for success!

Classes run June 2nd to August 8th.

Sign up using the Avera Sport app.

05/13/2025

🚨College Athletes🚨

Back in town for the summer? This is your time to train smarter, get stronger, and show up next season ready to dominate.

College students receive 50% off a 1, 2, or 3 month membership with valid college ID.

Our proven protocols are built to elevate your game. Call us today to get signed up for your evaluation and start training today!

Offer valid through August 15th, 2025.

05/12/2025

Congratulations to Griffin Miller on the Sioux Falls Washington Track and Field Team at last weekend’s Howard Wood Relays. We really enjoyed the opportunity to work with you this past winter!