The Williston Spirit: Why Student-Athletes Feel at Home at WSC

Williston State College

Being number one is the ultimate goal in sports. For the student-athletes at Williston State College (WSC), that championship feeling extends beyond playing fields and arenas. That’s because they have strong support from the school, the community and their fellow students to succeed in both athletics and academics.

Ahead, two such student-athletes who recently graduated from WSC share why their time at the college was such a winner.

Hailey Hunt, softball

Even while playing high school softball in her home of Saskatchewan, Canada, Hailey Hunt longed for the opportunity to take the field in the U.S., where she says the game is “a lot more competitive.”

It took only a few conversations with coach Jared Ward and one trip to Williston for Hunt to decide that WSC was where she wanted to be.

“This was one of the colleges that was always on my radar,” Hunt says. “Coach Ward really sold the place to me. Then when I came to visit, I loved the campus and the team. I instantly felt at home.”

In Hunt’s two seasons with the team, the Tetons doubled their win total from 11 to 22. Along the way, Hunt says her initial instincts about Williston and her teammates were confirmed.

Williston State College

“This is a very supportive place. Everyone is always cheering one another on. It just feels so welcoming,” says Hunt, who played catcher and batted .320 with 13 RBI for the Tetons this past season. “And it’s been great to see the changes that have come while I’ve been here, not just from myself but also the team. We’ve all grown so close by working together.”

Hunt says that support extends into the classroom, where the teachers and fellow students understand that the athletes have time-consuming responsibilities when it comes to practice and game travel schedules.

“I’ve accomplished about 75 credits here, and it can be difficult to balance that with athletics sometimes,” says Hunt, who is working toward a career in physical therapy. “But the teachers are very accommodating and flexible to our schedules, and the other students are willing to help us out during some of our busy times of year. It’s just a great little community here.”

Rex Stirling, men’s basketball

Rex Stirling was looking for an adventure. He found that and a whole lot more at Williston State.

As a basketball player in his home of Melbourne, Australia, it was always his dream to play in the United States. When he received an offer to compete for the Tetons, he jumped at the chance.

“I wanted something different. I wanted to test myself,” Stirling says. “So, I thought, why not, and got on a plane and came to Williston.”

Off the court, Stirling says he discovered an academic setting that helped him improve his grades and set him on the course to eventually receive some sort of business-related degree.

Williston State College

“I struggled a little bit in high school, but I’ve gotten amazing grades here, and it’s all because of the faculty and staff members,” Stirling says. “They’re really personable. If you have any questions, they’re always available. They’ve been really good about getting the most out of me academically.”

Meanwhile, on the court, Stirling was a key contributor in improving the team’s record from 11-20 in the 2023-24 season to 23-9 this past season. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 19.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, as the Tetons advanced to the NJCAA Region 13 championship game.

“It was an amazing season,” Stirling says. “We grew together and took huge strides from last year. We had some great games and great memories. I feel like I’ve improved my game 10,000-fold being in this program. The people here get you to be the best you can be. It’s been fantastic.”

Stirling says his long-term goal is to return to Melbourne and work with at-risk youth. His time at Williston, he says, has given him a better understanding of what it means to be there for others.

“The people here are amazing. They’ll help you in times of need,” Stirling says. “You get that college experience while also meeting great people. It’s the perfect blend.”