Behind The Scenes: Sara Schneider

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Both in and out of sports you need great work ethic and teamwork. Sara Schneider, one of the best shot putters in South Dakota State history, has transferred her passion for the throwing circle to her job as Coordinator of Athletic Development & Special Events.

Schneider, a 2010 graduate, with a bachelor's degree in consumer affairs, was a student-athlete for the Jackrabbits from 2005-10. The former Sara Ackman, when she competed for SDSU, ranks in the top three in discus, shot put and weight throw at State. Schneider also competed in a pair of NCAA Division I Outdoor National Championships in 2009 and 2010.

The Grove City, Minnesota native ended her career at SDSU with seven all-conference titles, four Summit League individual titles in indoor shot put, weight throw, outdoor shot put and discus, as well as a Division I Independent title in the discus. Her career with the Jacks may have come to a close, but the summer of her senior year Schneider met 2008 Olympic gold medalist and three-time Olympian Stephanie Brown Trafton.

California and Training for Olympic Trials Trafton invited Schneider to move to Galt, California to train in the discus for the Olympic Trials. In the fall of 2010, Schneider moved to California to begin training for the Olympic Trials.

"It was thrilling to move out to California," Schneider said. "When I moved to Brookings for college I was only a couple of hours from home. I knew this would be a big adjustment for my family and I, but also an exciting opportunity that I could not pass up."

Schneider competed in the discus all over California, in addition to several other states, even internationally in Australia.

"It was invaluable to have Stephanie as a mentor and ally," Schneider said. "Being able to push each other during every training session and get the most out of each workout. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to compete in meets in Perth and Sydney. "

Her most memorable experience was to visiting the Sydney Olympic Park, site of the 2000 Summer Olympics.

While training and traveling for competitions, Schneider also dedicated her time to helping middle school and high school students at throwing clinics in California.

"There were a couple of summer camps Stephanie hosted for middle school and high school students in California while I was training," Schneider said. "It was such a rewarding experience to be a part of those and to see the progress the students made over the course of the camps."

Moving Back Home Unfortunately, Schneider came up just short of her goal of qualifying for the Olympic Trials. She stayed in California for a short while after and continued to train with Trafton. It wasn't until she was home visiting family that her then-fiancée and now husband, Tyler, saw an advertisement for the Coordinator of Athletic Development & Special Events for SDSU in the newspaper.

Schneider works in the Jackrabbit Athletic Development Office coordinating game day hospitality and stewardship, directing special events and increasing student-athlete alumni involvement. This includes helping to arrange reunions and promoting the SDSU Letterwinners Club, which supports student-athlete scholarships through the Jackrabbit Club.

"The Jackrabbit Athletic Scholarship Auction is one of my main focuses during the year," Schneider said. "Over $1 million was raised for student-athlete scholarships this year. There are so many people who are involved with the event, from our auction committee, staff members, coaches and to our student-athletes, who help the night of the event. It is great to see everyone come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes over the last year and show their excitement for the upcoming season."

A typical week for Schneider can vary depending on the time of the year. If events are coming up, she usually is making arrangements, making sure everything is set and ready to go. Once the details are finalized for an upcoming event, she starts planning for the next.  She also interacts closely with donors, striving to build relationships and provide donors with a great experience and memories throughout the year.

Schneider puts together correspondences to alumni and others. She also answers questions regarding the Jackrabbit Club and Letterwinners Club. Schneider invests time in facility projects, scholarships/endowments, excellence funds and planned giving.

"The Hall of Fame weekend is one of my favorite events. It includes a banquet, football game and letterwinners reunion for alumni to attend," she said.

Schneider said during the banquet each SDSU Hall of Fame inductee has a chance to address the crowd and talk about their time at South Dakota State and since graduation. They share stories of their experiences and it is easy to see how much being a Jackrabbit meant to every inductee.

Life Outside of the Office A mother to a baby boy, Schneider is also trying to balance a career and a family.

"Being a mom has been a new adventure. Our son, Aiden, turned one at the end of June. It is so rewarding and chaotic at times, but I am really enjoying being a mom," Schneider said. "I had a proud mom moment when Aiden clapped for the first time at a women's basketball game this past year, so I know he is a Jackrabbit fan too."

She credits being a student-athlete at SDSU in helping her balance sports, school and social life. She also is fortunate for having a wonderful husband and family to help when Jackrabbit events take place in the evening or on the weekends.

"The teammates and friendships that I made while at SDSU will always be the most meaningful memories to me. South Dakota State University is a very special place to be a part of. Once a Jackrabbit, always a Jackrabbit!"