MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) The Mitchell School District announces the retirement of Deb Thill, longtime head coach of the volleyball and track programs following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary career dedicated to student-athletes, excellence, and leadership. Coach Thill made history as the first-ever volleyball coach at Mitchell High School and, over the course of 35 years, remained the only head coach the volleyball program has ever known. From its inception, she built the program from the ground up, establishing a foundation of excellence, commitment, and pride that continues to define it today. In addition to her leadership of the volleyball program, Coach Thill was highly successful as a girls basketball coach and has played a key role in the growth of the track program in recent years. She guided her programs with dedication and passion, emphasizing personal growth, teamwork, and competitive integrity. Her impact extended far beyond wins and records, as she mentored generations of student-athletes both on and off the court and track. As she enters retirement, the Mitchell School District extends its deepest gratitude to Coach Thill for her decades of service and dedication. Her leadership has left an enduring mark on the athletic program and the school community as a whole. The search for her replacements will begin immediately. “Deb Thill’s impact on Mitchell athletics is truly extraordinary. As the first and only head volleyball coach in program history, she built a standard of excellence that continues to define our school. Beyond the success of her teams, Deb’s greatest legacy is the countless student-athletes she mentored, inspired, and prepared for life. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for education-based athletics will be felt in our community for generations.” – Cory Aadland “This has been a difficult decision, as I have truly enjoyed teaching and coaching throughout my career. Over my 35 years in Mitchell, I believe my work helped strengthen the ever-changing coaching profession just as the experience strengthened me as an individual. I am incredibly grateful to the Mitchell community, the Mitchell School District, and all of my former players and coaching staff for their support. Forever thankful—and once a Kernel, always a Kernel.” – Deb Thill