Sanford Sports Performance celebrates 25 years

Posted: August 22, 2024

What was once a small strength training program in Sioux Falls is now bigger than ever.

Sanford Sports Performance, originally known as Sioux Valley High Performance Program and later Sanford POWER, began in 1998 to fill a need in the region for a complete training program.

It combined strength and conditioning with agility and plyometrics under the principles of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Exercise program coordinator Steve Bliss co-founded the program after spending decades as a strength and conditioning coach for football teams at the University of Miami and Ohio State University.

Now, Bliss and his team are celebrating 25 years of helping athletes of all ages and strengths succeed inside and outside the gym.

Operations timeline

1998: Operations begin at the Sanford Wellness Center in Sioux Falls

2008: Sioux Falls location moves to the Sanford Bubble at the University of Sioux Falls Sports Complex

2011: Fargo location opens and moves to the Sanford Bubble near the Sanford Medical Center Fargo

2012: Sioux Falls location moves to the Sanford Fieldhouse at the Sanford Sports Complex

2015: Bismarck-Mandan location opens with full programming

2021 – February: Bemidji location opens with full programming

2021 – October: Grand Forks location opens with full programming

Over the years: Satellite locations open in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Dickinson, North Dakota; and Watford City, North Dakota

2024: Fargo location moves to the Fargo Parks Sports Center

Services for every athlete

Sanford Sports Performance will match you with research-backed services that pinpoint how you can improve as an athlete. When you train with us, you’ll get personalized recommendations from sports performance experts.

• Mental performance training
• Recovery training
• Speed and agility training 
• Strength training
• Sports physical therapy
• Sports nutrition
• Performance testing

Elite athlete training

Sanford Sports Performance has trained thousands of athletes over the years, including pros like:

• Amy Olson (Golf)
• Bernhard Langer (Golf)
• Carson Wentz (Football)
• Chad Greenway (Football)
• Chris Streveler (Football)
• CJ Ham (Football)
• Dale Moss (Football)
• Darrius Shepherd (Football)
• Kim Kaufman (Golf)
• Laura Roesler (Track)
• Matt Cullen (Hockey)
• Walker Duehr (Hockey)

Impact on the community

Since 1998, we’ve accomplished more than we ever imagined. See how we've impacted the community.

• Before basic training, recruits train with Sanford Sports
• Experiencing the NFL Scouting Combine
• Sports Med team helps field a healthy SDSU roster
• Fargo Parks District Foundation and Sanford Health announce new facility
• NBA prospects train at Sanford POWER ahead of draft