Paul Hendry is the proud father of three: Mya, a 2018 graduate of Stevens H.S. and Briar Cliff University currently attending medical school at Creighton University; DeAndre, a 2024 Stevens graduate now attending Western Dakota Tech; and Tyree, a current Stevens student active in music and theater.

 

A 1987 graduate of Stevens High School, Paul was a three-sport athlete and a three-time state champion in the triple jump. He still holds the school record in that event (46'10") and was named both the Top Raider and Rapid City’s Male High School Athlete of the Year. He continued his athletic career at the University of South Dakota, competing in football and track & field. In 1989, he became USD’s first-ever male indoor All-American in the triple jump and later served as captain of the Coyotes’ 1992 NCC Indoor Championship team.

 

Paul began his teaching and coaching career in 1992 at North Middle School, coaching basketball, volleyball, and track & field. He returned to Stevens in 2001, where he is now in his 28th year—25th as head coach of the Raider Track & Field program. During that time, Stevens has won 16 state championships, with athletes under his leadership earning 75 individual and 43 relay state titles. The Raider Track & Field program has produced a national record holder, 18 state record holders, 57 school record holders, 14 All-Americans, and 9 Gatorade Athletes of the Year. Paul credits the program’s success to a dedicated coaching staff, strong community support, and the remarkable student-athletes who, in his words, “have taught us coaches more than we could ever teach them.”

 

In addition to track & field, Paul has coached boys and girls basketball and girls tennis. He also serves as the school’s intramural director and helps coordinate the off-season strength and speed program for all interested students.

 

He remains active in advancing the sport across South Dakota through his work with the South Dakota Cross Country and Track & Field Coaches Association (SDCCTCA), the South Dakota High School Coaches Association (SDHSCA), and as a current member of the SDHSAA Track & Field and Cross Country Advisory Committee.

 

His honors include induction into the Stevens Athletic Hall of Fame, the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Hall of Fame, the USD Track & Field Hall of Honor, and recognition as the 2022 NHSACA National Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year.