Dawn Seiler leaves lasting impact as retirement nears

TL;DR

Dawn Seiler, a prominent figure in South Dakota girls basketball, is retiring after a notable career as the Athletic Director at Aberdeen Central. She previously served as head coach, winning over 600 games and significantly impacting high school athletics.

Key points

Dawn Seiler is retiring from her role in high school athletics.
She has been the Athletic Director at Aberdeen Central since 2021.
Seiler was the head coach at Aberdeen Central from 1998 to 2021.
She won over 600 games in her coaching career.
Seiler significantly impacted girls basketball in South Dakota.

Mentioned in this story

Dawn SeilerAberdeen Central

class ‘B’ state boys basketball tournamentSouth Dakota girls basketball

ABERDEEN, S.D. (KELO) — Dawn Seiler is a well known name across the state when it comes to high school athletics, specifically girls basketball. The longtime Aberdeen Central employee is now set to retire, closing the book on an impactful career.

Seiler is currently the Athletic Director for Aberdeen Central and has been since 2021. That means she was busy in March helping run the class ‘B’ state boys basketball tournament in Aberdeen.

“As a basketball fan, getting to watch these games and watching these athletes compete and see how athletics have evolved,” Seiler said. “The athletes have gotten better every single year.”

Dawn became the head coach at Aberdeen Central in 1998 and held that title until 2021. She won more than 600 games and spent several seasons as the wins leader for girls basketball in South Dakota.

“When you’re young, those wins are important to you and as you grow older, you figure out the wins aren’t the ultimate thing. There’s a lot of ways to win,” Seiler said.

The wins are important, but decades of coaching helped Seiler realize what really matters in high school athletics.

“As you teach and coach and you get older, you begin to realize it’s really about the relationships that you have with a lot of people,” Seiler said. “I’ve been very fortunate to coach many athletes and stay in connection with them.”

Seiler’s absence will be noticeable in the Hub City, but her knowledge and advice will have an impact for years to come.

“Basketball teaches those things to you, but all sports make your self a well-rounded person,” Seiler said. “Every coach and every teammate have something to teach you, so absorb all you can.”

Seiler’s final day is June 30th.

“My plan for retirement is that I’m going to do all of those things that I thought I can’t do that, because I don’t have time to do that right now,” Seiler said. “I have this, this and this. Do I have a list? No, I don’t have an actual list, but I’m not somebody who’s just going to sit around.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.

Q&A

What is Dawn Seiler's role in South Dakota high school athletics?

Dawn Seiler is the Athletic Director at Aberdeen Central and a former head coach with over 600 wins in girls basketball.

How long did Dawn Seiler coach at Aberdeen Central?

Dawn Seiler served as the head coach at Aberdeen Central from 1998 until 2021.

What achievements did Dawn Seiler accomplish during her coaching career?

Dawn Seiler won more than 600 games and was recognized as the wins leader for girls basketball in South Dakota for several seasons.