By Jason Erickson
Hayden Welling's basketball journey has never followed a straight line. It has been built through patience, belief, and years of learning how to win alongside the people who mattered most.
Basketball was always around. Welling grew up in an athletic household where competition was simply part of daily life. His mother was a collegiate dancer. His father played college basketball before pursuing an engineering career. Sports were constant in a home with four boys, and competition followed them everywhere.
"We played everything growing up," Welling said. "Baseball, football, basketball."
For much of his childhood, basketball was not even his best sport. Baseball came first. Football had its moments too, with Welling playing quarterback. Basketball was just one piece of a multi-sport upbringing.
That changed quickly.
Between eighth grade and his freshman year of high school, Welling grew nearly 13 inches, going from 5 foot 5 to 6 foot 6 in about a year. The rapid growth brought opportunity, but it also came with awkwardness.
"I wasn't very coordinated," he said. "I grew so fast."
At Corner Canyon High School, a coaching change after his freshman season created an opening. Head coach Dan Lund saw a tall, raw player worth a gamble. Welling earned a surprise invite to join the varsity team on a summer trip and worked his way into the starting lineup as a sophomore, a role he would keep through his senior year.
"It wasn't like I was always the guy," Welling said. "I had to earn it."
Corner Canyon's rise mirrored his own development. The Chargers experienced heartbreak early, including blowing a 27-point lead in the state tournament and losing in the championship game. Those setbacks laid the foundation for what came next.
During his senior season, everything came together. Corner Canyon captured the 2019 6A state championship, defeating a Jordan High School team that had beaten them three straight times on buzzer beaters. Welling earned State Tournament MVP honors after averaging 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds.
"That year felt earned," he said. "We had been through the losses."
Recruiting followed, and Welling committed to UC Irvine. His junior year of high school marked the beginning of consistent interest, and Irvine stood out because of its success developing big men and winning games.
"Irvine taught me how to handle adversity," Welling said. "How to prepare and how to take care of your business."
Welling spent two seasons with the Anteaters, both of them highly successful. During the 2022–23 season, he helped UC Irvine to a 23-12 overall record and a Big West regular season championship with a 15-5 league mark. The Anteaters advanced to the Big West Tournament championship game before falling short, but earned a berth into the National Invitation Tournament.
The following season, Welling helped lead UC Irvine to another Big West regular season championship, as the Anteaters finished 24-10 overall and 17-3 in conference play during the 2023–24 season. That year also marked the first season he shared the college court with his younger brother, Carter, at UC Irvine. Once again, Irvine came up short in the Big West Tournament, but earned a second straight bid into the NIT.
It was during that 2023–24 season that Hayden's basketball journey fully aligned with his brother's at the college level.
After two seasons at UC Irvine, the pull to come home became strong. Utah Valley offered familiarity, family, and opportunity. The brothers transferred together and returned closer to home, stepping into a season that would become one of the most successful in Utah Valley history.
Together, Hayden and Carter helped lead Utah Valley to an outright Western Athletic Conference regular season championship, finishing 25-9 overall and 15-1 in league play. The Wolverines advanced to the WAC Tournament championship game for the first time in program history before falling to Grand Canyon. Utah Valley's run still earned the program a berth into the National Invitation Tournament.
Beyond the box score, the brothers shared a bond that extended far beyond the court. Hayden and Carter were roommates throughout their entire college careers, from Irvine to Utah Valley.
"We've been roommates every year until now," Welling said.
That changed this season.
Carter got married during the offseason before transferring to Clemson. Hayden did the same. For the first time in their college lives, the brothers now have new roommates.
"Our roommates now are our wives," Welling said with a smile.
Hayden's wife, Tahlia White, understands the demands of college basketball as well as anyone. A former Utah Valley standout, she earned Academic All-WAC honors, was named to the All-WAC Defensive Team, and received multiple academic accolades during her career. She now works as a school teacher, balancing long days in the classroom with unwavering support at home.
"She gets it," Welling said. "She understands the grind. She keeps me grounded."
Now entering Western Athletic Conference play with Utah Valley sitting at 10-3 overall following non-conference action, Welling has embraced a role that reflects both his experience and versatility. He has appeared in all 13 games, averaging 9.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field.
But his value extends beyond the box score.
Welling rebounds, defends multiple positions, finishes inside, and stretches the floor. He describes himself as a player willing to do whatever the moment requires.
"I like being a Swiss army knife," he said. "This year I'm trying to be great at certain things instead of just good at a lot."
That focus is paired with leadership. Welling has been part of conference championship teams at multiple stops and has played in the postseason every year of his college career. Still, one item remains unchecked.
The only thing missing is a conference tournament championship and the NCAA Tournament berth that comes with it.
"I want to win one here," Welling said. "That's always been the goal."
When asked about his favorite moment from last season's WAC title run, the answer comes easily.
"Being on the court with my brother," Welling said. "Seeing him win Defensive Player of the Year. Seeing the people you love succeed."
Away from basketball, Welling finds balance through hobbies that reflect both focus and fun. He bowls, golfs, and enjoys kendama, a Japanese skill toy he picked up in high school and returned to during his mission in Gilbert, Arizona.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered at Utah Valley, Welling keeps the answer simple.
"That I was a competitor," he said. "That I would do anything to win. And that off the court, I was someone people could rely on."
It is the story of a player who has learned how to win everywhere he has been, and who now knows exactly what is left to accomplish.
