Neither a pandemic, nor an injury could stop Sydney Wilting from playing college softball

While an injury during basketball season prematurely ended Havre High senior Sydney Wilting's senior season in softball, she still has plenty to look forward to. Last Thursday afternoon, she decided her future in softball as she signed with the University of Providence.

"I'm pretty happy. I'm ecstatic," Wilting said at a ceremony inside the HHS gymnasium. "I can't stop smiling."

Wilting was recruited by Providence and Dickinson State University in North Dakota. She chose to play for the Argonauts of Providence because she wanted to stay close to home.

"I like to stay here close to where my family is at," Wilting said. "I know more girls from Providence. I know the team. I'm closer with the coaches so that was why I chose it."

HHS softball head coach Tony Vigliotti looks forward to seeing what Wiliting can do at Providence, expecting her to play well and improve the program.

"The sky's the limit for Sydney," Vigliotti said. "She's one of those kids that you love to have around your program, so she's going to be a benefit to the University of Providence and I have no doubt that she'll get on the field there and have a good career."

Wilting has already decided to major in biology with a health profession concentration. She hopes that it will lead to medical school and eventually into working in orthopedics. Both Providence and Dickinson had good programs so that did not factor into her decision.

She started the recruitment process last year. She started the process by filling out the recruiting page on Providence's website and then got into contact with one of Providence's assistant coaches. She then did a virtual tour before meeting with the coaches in person.

"I went in person and they just sat me down and said, 'Here, we want you, here's a letter of intent, here's our scholarship offer, think about it, you have a month to decide,'" Wilting said. "It was pretty painless from what I thought it was going to be."

Wilting started playing for the varsity softball team her freshman year, where she immediately made an impact. She then had a strong sophomore year that put college recruiters on notice.

"Sydney has worked really hard," Vigliotti said. "She's a good softball player, she's a great kid, she's a good student, she'll do well."

Wilting has not been able to hit the diamond for the Blue Ponies in her final two seasons. Her junior season was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic and an injury during the state basketball tournament in March prevented her from suiting up for her senior season. While she won't get to end her career at Havre on her own terms, she will remember her time as a Pony fondly.

"We definitely were a team, especially with these new coaches. They've always supported me through everything that I've ever done and I know that they'll always have my back," Wilting said. "It was just a great atmosphere being around the softball field with the girls and the coaches."