"When the love of your work exceeds the labor of it...success is inevitable."
NORA GROFT
Education:
2000: Northern State University, master of science in education with a secondary education emphasis
1995: University of South Dakota, bachelor of science degree in mass communications with a journalism emphasis and an English minor
1992: Northwestern High School, diploma
Experience:
NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
* Currently teaches the following classes: English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12, and Journalism.
* Athletic Director
* Head volleyball coach
* Yearbook Adviser
NSU STATEWIDE CENTER FOR E-LEARNING
* AP Language and Composition Master Teacher 2008-2019
Leadership Positions:
Certified Athletic Administrator 2023
SDHSAA In/Out of Season Advisory Committee 2023 to present
SDHSAA Volleyball Advisory Committee Class B Representative 2011-2018
SDVBCA Past-President
SDVBCA President 2007-2009
SDHSAA Journalism Advisory Committee 2003-2008 and 2017 to 2020.
SDVBCA President-Elect 2006-2007
SDVBCA Class B Representative 2004-2006
AP Reader English Language and Composition 2009 & 2010
SAT Reader 2008-2012
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Institute 2012, 2004
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Institute 2004
ASNE Journalism Fellowship 2003
Honors and Awards:
2023 South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame
2021 South Dakota Sports Awards Coach of the Year Finalist
2020 South Dakota Sportswriters Association Prep Girls Coach of the Year
2020 Adrenaline Volleyball Team of the Year
2020 AVCA Region 7 Coach of the Year
2019 South Dakota Sportswriters Association Prep Girls Team of the Year
2019 AVCA Region 7 Coach of the Year
2019 All-Star North Assistant Volleyball Coach
2018 NHSACA National Volleyball Coach of the Year Finalist
2017 South Dakota Sportswriters Association Prep Girls Coach of the Year
2017 South Dakota Volleyball Coach of the Year
2017 All-Star North Head Volleyball Coach
2017 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2016 Aberdeen American News Volleyball Coach of the Year
2016 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2012 NMSI All-American Teacher of the Year
2008 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2008 All-Star North Head Volleyball Coach
2006 South Dakota Volleyball Coach of the Year
2005 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2005 All-Star North Assistant Volleyball Coach
2004 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2003 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2002 Region I Volleyball Coach of the Year
2001 Class B Assistant Volleyball Coach of the Year
2000 Class B Assistant Volleyball Coach of the Year
Family:
Her husband, James, is the General Manager/CEO of James Valley Telecommunications and Northern Valley Communications in Aberdeen. James and Nora have had five children: Isaac, Bailey, Peyton, Madalyn and Samuel. They live on a farm eight miles south of Mellette.
