South Dakota State University

Owen Stanley, who has served as an athletic trainer for both professional and collegiate teams over the past decade, has been hired as head athletic trainer at South Dakota State University, director of athletics Justin Sell announced Thursday.

"I am very excited that we were able to hire someone of Owen's caliber for this important position," Sell said. "I have no doubt he will continue our strong tradition in athletic training and he will have the opportunity to develop a new vision for the program."

Stanley, an assistant athletic trainer for the Kansas City Chiefs the past two seasons, replaces hall of fame trainer Dr. Jim Booher, who retired this past spring after 42 years of distinguished service at SDSU.

"It is a pleasure to be part of a great staff that is already in place and to be able to continue to provide high quality of health care to the student-athletes," Stanley said.

Stanley, who begins his duties Aug. 3, will oversee an athletic training staff that will include five assistant trainers and five graduate assistants. A native of Emmaus, Pa., Stanley earned a bachelor's degree in athletic training from West Chester University (Pa.) in 2002. He went on to earn a master's degree in kinesiology and health promotion at the University of Kentucky in 2005, while serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Wildcats' football and baseball teams.

Stanley moved on to the University of Northern Iowa in 2005, working as the assistant director of athletic training services and head football athletic trainer. In 2007, Stanley accepted the position of assistant athletic trainer for the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs.

In addition, Stanley completed internships with the NFL's New York Jets and the Philadelphia Wings of the Professional Indoor Lacrosse league.

Aside from his athletic training duties, Stanley has given presentations at the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting and the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Symposium. He also has chaired the Young Professionals Committee of the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association and has served as an E-Mentor for NATA.