ST. JOSEPH, Minn. -- The College of Saint Benedict athletic department has announced the hire of veteran athletic communicator Dan Genzler as the new Athletic Media Relations Director, replacing Leah Rado, who had held the position for just over eight years.

"We are excited to bring someone with Dan's experience to St. Ben's Athletics," stated Athletic Director Kelly Anderson Diercks. "Dan is someone who is going to hit the ground running. He has been around higher education and college athletics for many years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our department."

Genzler most recently served as the Director of Athletic Communications for the University of Sioux Falls. While at USF Dan coordinated all areas of sports information and media relations for the department as well as oversaw website management, social media, and photography for the department.

"It is my privilege and honor to join the staff at the College of St. Benedict, a truly outstanding university under the visionary leadership of President Brian Bruess. I want to extend my gratitude to Athletic Director Kelly Anderson Diercks and the search committee for giving me an opportunity to join a high achieving, focused and energetic athletics department. It is a place driven by its spirit, faith, heart and compassion to help students uncover and explore all possibilities," said Genzler.

During his time in Sioux Falls, Genzler led the restart of the USF Hall of Fame Committee and ceremony in 2015; led the changeover and design of a new athletics website and provider (Sidearm Sports), and was the main feature writer for the athletic department, including contributions to the USF magazine. He also coordinated department media days and oversaw game-day media operations.

Prior to his time at USF, Genzler served as the Director of Athletic Communications as well as the Director of Media Relations for the University of South Dakota in Vermillion S.D. While at USD, Dan managed the media relations efforts for the athletic department, served as the main writer (press releases and features), maintained the athletic website, and organized major athletic events for the department such as Hall of Fame and the Howling Pack Student Awards Ceremony. Additionally, Genzler oversaw statistics for the department and established a student internship program.

Aside from his work in higher education, Genzler brings a strong background of experiences in writing and editing (magazine editor, content creator, etc.). He has served on various South Dakota High School, NCAA Division I and II championship event staffs in the media and public relations areas.

Genzler is a member of College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), serving as the Publications Coordinator from 2006-08. Dan earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of South Dakota in Political Science and Mass Communication.