Freshman Rae Smart proving to be dual-sport star for MSU Billings

After starring on the hardwood, she's nearing program records on the track.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player and a track and field athlete in dynamic, overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, representing the dual-sport talents of Rae Smart.A talented freshman athlete's ability to excel in two demanding Division II sports simultaneously showcases her exceptional versatility and commitment.Billings Today

Montana State Billings freshman Rae Smart is pulling double duty for the Yellowjackets, starring in both basketball and track and field. After wrapping up the basketball season, Smart quickly transitioned to the track, where she is already nearing program records in shot put and other events.

Why it matters

Smart's ability to excel in two demanding Division II sports at the collegiate level is an impressive athletic feat, highlighting her versatility, work ethic, and commitment to her teams. Her success could inspire other student-athletes to pursue multiple sports and push the boundaries of what's possible.

The details

Smart didn't take much time off after the basketball season, returning to track practice just two days after MSUB was eliminated from the NCAA Division II West Regional. Despite feeling a bit rusty at first, she has quickly regained her form and is already making an impact, setting a GNAC record with 13 offensive rebounds in a game earlier this season and recording the second-longest shot put throw in school history after just a few practices.

  • Smart wrapped up the basketball season in March.
  • She returned to track practice just two days after the end of the basketball season.
  • Smart has been balancing the demanding schedules of both sports since January.

The players

Rae Smart

A freshman at Montana State Billings who is starring in both basketball and track and field for the Yellowjackets.

Kevin Woodin

The head coach of the Montana State Billings track and field team.

Alisha Breen

An assistant coach for the Montana State Billings track and field team.

Nels Flanagan

The throws coach for the Montana State Billings track and field team.

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What they’re saying

“Kevin (Woodin) and Alisha (Breen) have been awesome. Now that track has picked up they've been totally understanding of giving us the time to work with her and her events.”

— Nels Flanagan, Throws Coach, Montana State Billings Track and Field

“I think I felt a little rusty the first couple practices. Your turns aren't as sharp, and the hammer was completely new to me. Learning that, it felt like I had two left feet at first. I think that slowly I've come back into it and picked up close to where I left off in the shot put, and the other events are coming right along.”

— Rae Smart

“You're gone Wednesday through Sunday, then you have your classes that you're doing. Thankfully I'm taking a lot of online (classes) this semester, so that's nice because I can do it on the road.”

— Rae Smart

“I think we had three or four shot put practices and she had a lifetime shot PR. It's pretty unreal to see that transition knowing that basketball is a serious commitment and she spent a ton of time doing that, and I know it's exhausting with the travel and the tournament and everything. She showed up the first day with the intensity. It's crazy.”

— Nels Flanagan, Throws Coach, Montana State Billings Track and Field

What’s next

Smart will look to continue her strong performances in both basketball and track as she navigates the remainder of her freshman year at Montana State Billings. The Yellowjackets will be closely monitoring her progress and development as she aims to set more program records.

The takeaway

Rae Smart's ability to excel in two demanding Division II sports simultaneously is a testament to her exceptional athleticism, work ethic, and commitment to her teams. Her success could inspire other student-athletes to pursue multiple sports and push the boundaries of what's possible at the collegiate level.