SPEARFISH – Black Hills State University President Steve Elliott removed the interim tag to name Mark Nore Director of Athletics, effective immediately.
Nore stepped in as the Interim Athletic Director in December 2023 following the resignation of Scott Larson. Nore continued his duties as head women’s basketball coach throughout the 2023-24 season.
“Mark has proven he is the right person to lead Yellow Jacket athletics,” Elliott said. “His long-standing history here at BH is highlighted by his unwavering passion and dedication to the University. I am confident he will continue to support our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to enhance our outstanding athletic program.”
Nore is the all-time wins leader in Black Hills State women’s basketball history since taking over the program during the 2002-03 season. He compiled an overall record of 390-239 in his tenure, saw through the program’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, and led the Yellow Jackets to seven-straight RMAC tournament appearances (2018-24). Nore’s teams earned three Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) championships (NAIA), one conference tournament championship (DAC), and four consecutive trips to the NAIA national tournament.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead our department in which I have so much respect and admiration,” Nore said. “I will miss my team deeply but am so thankful of the bonds I have formed over the past two decades with players and coaches. It has been a true blessing for me to serve as the coach of the women’s basketball team for so many years.”
During Nore’s playing career as a Yellow Jacket from 1993-97, he was a part of 77 wins and two trips to the NAIA national tournament.
Nore received his bachelor’s degree in physical education and special education from BHSU in 1999 and earned his Master of Science with an emphasis in Physical Education at Southwest Minnesota State in 2002.
“I am very excited and thankful for the new position and challenges that are in front of me,” Nore said. “I want to thank President Elliott for his belief in me and the opportunity he has given myself and my family. Once a Jacket, always a Jacket.”
Nore and his wife, Melissa (Braegger), a former standout at BHSU, have two daughters, Lily and Berklee.
A search is being conducted for the next head women’s basketball coach at BHSU.
