After the departure of Coach Cory Fehringer to Western Nebraska, Rylee Hernandez had been named as the Head Coach for the Tetons. Hernandez has been an assistant coach at Williston State for 3 years prior. Hernandez assumes responsibilities immediately. Hernandez states “I am extremely thankful and grateful for this opportunity to guide and lead these young men at Williston State, not only on the court, but in the classroom as well.”
Hernandez came to Williston state in 2013 and helped grow both the women’s and men’s programs. In 2014, he was named the top assistant for the men’s program and was key part in many major successes. Hernandez has been part of 2 regular season conference titles, national recognition in the polls reaching as high as 14th in the 2014-2015 season. Hernandez works extensively with skill development, team defense, game and practice planning, Scouting, recruiting, travel, film, academics, and graduation. His work with top recruits of Adonis De La Rosa and Teyvon Myers were key in their re-recruitment to the 4-year schools. In his 3 years at Williston State the Tetons have won 75 games.
While being an assistant coach, Hernandez has had a taste of the head seat. This last year, Hernandez served as acting head coach for 1 game, a win over United Tribes Technical College. Coach Hernandez is ready to continue the success “There has been a lot of success over the past few years. I look to continue with this success going forward. I am very honored to take this position and excited about being part of the community of Williston.”
Before arriving at Williston State College Hernandez was a team captain and junior varsity assistant men’s basketball coach at Lakeland College. As a player, Hernandez went 43-13 bringing in a Northern Athletics Conference North Division regular season title (2012-2013) as well as back to back Northern Athletics Conference Tournament Championship appearances at Lakeland College. Going 22-6 as senior, Hernandez helped his team break the school record for wins as an NCAA institution. Hernandez also holds the highest career win percentage as a player with .767 at Lakeland College. At the conclusion of his senior year, he was name the T.W. Hornemann “Male Muskie of the Year” award recipient.
Hernandez spent his first two collegiate years at Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN. There he was a part of a Minnesota College Athletic Conference North Division Championship for the 2010-2011 season. Hernandez was also in the NJCAA top 20 for 3 point field goal percentage in 2010-2011. Hernandez is a native of St. Paul, MN, and a graduate of Roseville Area High School. He received his Associates in Arts from Vermilion Community College and obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Lakeland College in Exercise Science and Sports Studies.
Photo Courtesy Williston State Athletics
