In 2021 Williston State Softball learned the valuable lesson of perseverance.  The ups and downs of public health regulations, travel restrictions, minimal practice windows, all forced the team to band together.  This team was a classic example of the record not reflecting the depth of the group.  Finishing the year with a 3-7 home record, was not the season that the team anticipated, but may have been the season that the Teton freshman class needed.

Williston's 2022 roster is a mix of 7 returning players, a sophomore pick-up - Layni Schieffer,  and a group of talented freshmen, Poppy Carman, Marleigh Thurman, Kylie Larson, Meranda Bechel, Angie Leija, Ashlyn Halford, Kianna Pilling and Kayla Ralph.  This an eager group of freshman being led by a battle-tested and resilient group of sophomores.  It is adding up to appear to be a group ready to do some damage in the MonDak Conference. 

Gone from this year's team will be the big bat of Kinze Peterson. But the Tetons still have Klaire Morris who had .471 average with OBP of .493 in 2021.

The Tetons have reinvigorated their pitching staff, led by sophomore Taylor Barman A.K.A. "T-Bar".  She is battle tested and is entering the season with a new found swagger.  The addition of Pitching Coach Jess Buffington has brought a new depth of understanding and training to the team.  Taylor and Coach Jess have created strong trust in one another and are extremely excited for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2022 season.

Dual-sport athletes, Ashlyn Halford and Marleigh Thurman have brought a plethora of ability and depth to the team, playing multiple positions and already one full season of collegiate volleyball under their belts, they have stepped right in and joined the team with passion, experience and fire.  

WSC opens its 2022 season Friday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. against Lake Region State College and Miles City Community College at 8 p.m. in Minot State's indoor dome.

Player-selected Leadership Council member, Jordyn Zimmer (sophomore),  has this to say about the upcoming season, "I am super excited to have a full season, with coaches who are very encouraging and positive.  We have a great group of girls who get along well and I am excited to see us put all of our hard work from this winter out onto the field and be rewarded with victories. ROLL TONS!"

We caught up with Lexy Dietz (sophomore), another player-selected Leadership Council member, she had this to share with WSC fans, "I am super excited about the 2022 season, and for a coaching staff that is working every day to grow and make our program better.  I am also super excited to have an amazing group of teammates. I want to thank Coach Ward for allowing me to come back and grow, not only as a player, but as a person."

Coach Ward was quoted, "To be one day out from playing is awesome. I took some time to reflect on the year so far; we are a blessed group and I am a blessed man. From being hired with 8 players on the roster, to growing to 21 players at a point in the Fall, to now beginning the season with 16, it has been a whirlwind.  We have a resilient group of sophomores that have had two years of ball taken from them, time which they will never get back, and they are all in.  This group has impressed me in their ability to stay malleable without letting the world turn them hard and cold.  They are a joyful bunch, they know when to lock-in and get to work and know how to enjoy the path they've chosen.  Our freshman have been a blessing, they are excited and eager to train and grow, not scared to lead when needed and are great followers when the time comes.  Our two assistant coaches have been God-sends, allowing me to lean on them for support and provide an array of knowledge where I am weak.  They love our team, this community and our institution - which means the world to me.  All in all, this year is about creating an environment that inspires growth, celebrates depth of character and mind, doing the hard things and enjoying the moments as they come.  We are a blessed group and are looking forward to showcasing the growth that the girls have worked to achieve. Roll Tons."

Look for the Williston State Tetons to make a strong appearance this year, their approach is simple. Play pitch-to-pitch, trust yourself and each other, play loud and play fast.  2022 is gearing up to be an fun and exciting season for the Tetons.