AUDREY WISTAIN stepped onto St. Edward's University campus in 2020 as the lone hurdler on the newly added track and field team. Track & Field athletes rely on stable ground, but St. Edward's charged Wistain with setting a foundation where there was none.
 
"When Audrey first got here, it wasn't easy," St. Edward's head Track & Field Coach Steven Cary says. "She pioneered the women's sprints and hurdles programs." 
 
Being the only hurdler brought a unique set of challenges, the most difficult of which were mental, not physical. Her skill set and training were isolated in a program that was then mostly comprised of distance runners. Rather than shy away, Wistain leaned in and chose to rise.
 
And that's precisely what Wistain did, setting the bar high in her first season, resoundingly surpassing her 15th seed heading into the conference meet by advancing to the 100-meter hurdle finals and placing seventh. Since then, she has consistently returned to conference competitions, representing the university with pride and purpose. 
 
"She's the epitome of competition bringing out the best in someone," St. Edward's Assistant Track & Field Coach Antwain Morgan says. 
 
Her coachability, discipline, and internal drive have not only fueled her success but also laid the groundwork for the entire hurdling program; Wistain's drive has shaped team expectations. When coaches recruit, Wistain's focused, driven, and passionate mindset is the standard. 
 
As the team's sprints and hurdles rosters have expanded, Wistain has stepped into a mentorship role. Wistain and sophomore JASMINE COOKE have spent the past two years topping each other in the school record books for the 100-meter dash. Wistain's teammates look to her for guidance, support, and inspiration. 
 
"She's the one giving advice to the other athletes based on her past failures and successes. She's been a sounding board for the new hurdlers we recruit," Morgan explains. "She's lightened some of my load when it comes to training. I can tell Audrey what to do, and it's guaranteed to get done."
 
That level of trust has been earned through years of consistency and character, extending beyond the track. Wistain is also looked to among the entire student-athlete body at St. Edward's, representing all sports as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President, serving as a liaison between student-athletes and administrators, playing an active role in shaping university policies that impact student-athlete life on campus. It's a position that speaks to Wistain's voice, vision, and influence within the broader campus community. 
 
"There are no expectations because you set the expectations," Wistain said of her early years. "Which is good and bad, because you're setting the standard."

From Day 1, Wistain has the bar high, often without anyone to model it for her. She built her path from scratch and through tireless work, personal accountability, and a deep passion for the sport, Wistain built a foundation for herself and those who would follow.