One of the defining chapters of Rhonda’s career began when she became Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Mary. In that role, she was responsible for the health and performance of more than 400 collegiate athletes.
Rhonda did far more than manage the daily demands of athletic training. She built and mentored a strong sports medicine staff that included full-time, part-time, and graduate assistant athletic trainers. Together, they created a culture centered on preparation, compassionate care, accountability, and athlete well-being.
Her impact also reached the next generation of healthcare professionals through several important initiatives:
Through this work, Rhonda helped establish a foundation where student-athletes could pursue excellence while knowing they were supported by a trusted and dedicated team.
Nowhere was Rhonda’s presence more deeply felt than on the sidelines and in the training room with Marauders Football.
Football creates a distinct athletic training environment. High-impact injuries, demanding practices, and intense emotional stakes require clinical expertise and steady leadership. Caring for a roster of more than 100 football players also requires an ability to build relationships and earn trust over time.
Rhonda became known throughout the program for treating football players as if they were her own sons. Players who were accustomed to powering through pain found a safe and dependable place in her care. Rhonda understood when to offer encouragement, when to challenge an athlete through a difficult rehabilitation session, and when to provide the tough guidance needed to protect an athlete’s long-term health.
The relationship between football players and athletic trainers depends on honesty, communication, and mutual respect. Rhonda fostered an environment where athletes could report injuries without fear of losing their place on the depth chart. They trusted that decisions would be made with their health, safety, and long-term success in mind.
That trust was especially important during long-term rehabilitation. Injuries such as ACL tears and shoulder reconstructions can separate athletes from their teammates and leave them feeling isolated from the program. Rhonda helped bridge that gap by keeping injured players connected to their team culture while giving them clear daily goals and measurable progress to pursue.
On game day, she was a calm and reliable presence amid the intensity of competition. Whether evaluating an acute injury on the field or helping players stay physically prepared and mentally focused, Rhonda stood beside Marauders Football through victories, setbacks, and every challenge in between.
What makes Rhonda’s work exceptional is not only her administrative leadership or clinical knowledge. It is her personal connection with the athletes in her care.
During her ten-year tenure at St. Mary’s Central High School and throughout her years at the University of Mary, Rhonda treated rehabilitation as a collaborative journey. She used daily goals and competitive challenges to keep athletes engaged, motivated, and progressing.
Her specialized training has included RockTape and the Level 2 Graston Technique, adding valuable tools to her approach in the training room. She also draws on her background as a certified mental health coach to address the mental resilience athletes need when returning to competition.
That combination of physical preparation, emotional support, and consistent accountability helped athletes understand that recovery is not simply about getting back on the field. It is about returning with confidence, perspective, and a stronger foundation for the future.
Today, Rhonda continues her work at Sanford Sports in Bismarck as an Athletic Trainer and Return-to-Performance Specialist.
Her educational and professional background includes a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from North Dakota State University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Mary. At Sanford Sports, she continues guiding athletes through the final—and often most difficult—stages of rehabilitation.
For Rhonda, there is no greater reward than watching an athlete step back onto the field, court, or track stronger than before. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to helping athletes pursue their goals while protecting their health and preparing them for what comes next.
Rhonda Olson’s career is a masterclass in dedication. Through program building, clinical mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to athlete success, she has done more than treat injuries. She has helped build a lasting foundation for athletes, athletic trainers, and the broader sports medicine community to thrive.
Her legacy reminds us that the story of Marauder Football is shaped not only by the players who compete, but also by the coaches, trainers, educators, families, and supporters who stand behind them. Every act of care strengthens the program. Every mentor leaves an impact. Every Marauder contributes to a legacy that reaches far beyond the final whistle.
Building a Legacy. Fueling the Future.
The Marauder Football Alumni Association is committed to celebrating the people who have shaped University of Mary football and supporting the student-athletes who will carry that tradition forward.
Become a member and help strengthen the Marauder legacy for every generation to come.
*Not an Official Organization of the University of Mary.