​Stanley — Dreams don’t always turn into reality, but when they do, they become unforgettable. Charlie Hoel, a rising senior at Stanley-Boyd, has chased the dream of playing Division I basketball since middle school, a path never forced on him but always encouraged by family legacy. His mother, Shannon, played at the Division I level for the University of Evansville, and his brother Henry is a student-athlete at UW–Eau Claire. Hoel recalls the moment he decided to commit to giving basketball his full effort: “I started taking it seriously and actually putting in the work, grinding, and I thought, ‘Now it’s time to go do something with this.’”
That belief has now materialized into a college pledge. On Monday, the 6-foot-10 Hoel publicly announced his commitment to North Dakota State University. “It feels really good,” he said. “There’s a lot of stress and relief off my shoulders now. It’s comforting knowing I’m heading to a place with good people and a strong program.” Hoel weighed several options, including other Division I offers from Northern Illinois, South Dakota State, and UW–Green Bay, along with a range of Division II and III opportunities, before deciding to join the Bisons.
Hoel’s visit to NDSU last fall left a lasting impression. He recalled attending a homecoming football game, an experience he described as among the wildest atmospheres he’s witnessed. “The town of Fargo has no professional sports teams, so everyone breeds passion into college sports,” he noted. “I could see myself there, calling that place home and really enjoying it.”
Under coach David Richman, North Dakota State’s men’s basketball program capped a standout season with a 27-8 record, capturing the Summit League title and earning a berth in the NCAA Division I Tournament for the sixth time in its history and the first since 2020. Hoel emphasized how the culture and coaching staff influenced his choice. “The coaching staff and the culture were always a big thing for me,” he said. “My mom and I talked to some players and their parents, and I heard nothing but positive things about the program. It’s comforting to know that Richman has a proven track record of developing players, winning, and building a storied program.”
Hoel also pointed to the development path that appeals to him. He appreciated that NDSU has a history of turning players from small towns into high-level contributors, including stories of athletes who moved on to professional leagues or overseas opportunities. “They’ve got a lot of guys who went pro or played overseas,” Hoel explained. “Richman has taken those players from small towns and transformed them into strong players. He promised that I could achieve that trajectory too.”
A notable reference in Hoel’s recruitment is Noah Feddersen, a Menomonie alum who transferred to Colorado University for his senior season. Hoel described Feddersen as a kindred example of the Wisconsin area’s underappreciated talent. “Noah’s path showed me that the Wisconsin region, outside the Milwaukee area, doesn’t get the recognition it deserves,” Hoel said. “If you’re willing to put in the work, good opportunities can come from places you might not expect.”
As he begins this next chapter, Hoel recognizes that transitioning to the Division I level will demand continued dedication, growth, and resilience. He is excited by the chance to contribute to a program with a winning culture and a reputation for developing players who reach the next level. His journey—from a middle-school dream to a Division I commitment—embodies the idea that perseverance, family support, and the right environment can propel an athlete to achieve a momentous milestone.