My name is Jill Vincent. I was born and grew up in DeSmet, SD. My parents are Jerry and Jeanne Gruenhagen, and they farm south of DeSmet. They also own and operate a campground on the south shore of Lake Thompson, where their family farm is located. My two older brothers, Jason and Jeff both reside in DeSmet with their families.
After graduating in 1992 from DeSmet High School, I attended Dakota State University for one year and then transferred to South Dakota State University where I graduated in 1996 with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. In 1998, I received my teaching certificate in Middle/Secondary Education from South Dakota State University. I taught middle school math and high school business courses in Lake Preston, SD, for three years before obtaining my position at Sioux Valley Schools in Volga, SD, in 2002. I have taught a variety of business and computer courses and am currently transitioning to a STEM curriculum. While at Sioux Valley I have served as the assistant girls basketball coach for 10 years, assistant volleyball coach for 15 years, and am going on my 11 year as the head volleyball coach. My husband, Bill, teaches k-5 PE and Social Emotional Learning in the middle school and coaches cross country, boys basketball and track at Sioux Valley. We have three children. A son, Tayton, who attends Augustana University and is seeking a degree in STEM Education and plays basketball for the Vikings. Miakken, our daughter, attends Dakota State University and is seeking a degree in Math Education and plays basketball for the Trojans. Our youngest daughter, Talya, is a student at Sioux Valley Schools and she enjoys cross country, volleyball, basketball and track. I began my Master of Science in Educational Technology degree at Dakota State University in June of 2018. I will complete this degree in May of 2021. I believe this is quite an accomplishment to achieve while raising three children and being a head coach of a varsity sport. Outside of teaching and coaching I enjoy going camping, spending time with family, traveling to different sporting events for my children, playing board games, and reading. |