PINKE STRONG · THE STORY
PINKE STRONG.
From a Life-Changing Accident to a Life Without Bad Days.
A life-changing accident changed Hunter’s path, but not his perspective. Discover the journey that became the foundation of his No Bad Days philosophy.
The Story
FROM ACCIDENT TO PURPOSE
On December 27, 2019, Hunter Pinke’s life changed in an instant when a skiing accident in Keystone, Colorado, left him with a spinal cord injury. After being airlifted to the hospital and transferred to Craig Hospital for rehabilitation, Hunter began what he called his “training camp.”
During those 90 days of recovery, Hunter rejected the idea of having “good days and bad days.” He chose a different mindset: No Bad Days.
With support from his family, friends, and community, Hunter returned home to North Dakota, completed his mechanical engineering degree, and served as a senior captain of the UND football team. In the years since, he has earned a graduate degree, captained a wheelchair basketball team, and built a national speaking career around his No Bad Days philosophy.
Today, Hunter shares his story with schools, athletic programs, businesses, and organizations, helping people understand that while adversity is something we all face, how we respond is something we can control.
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BEYOND THE STAGE
Day by Day: The Hunter Pinke Story
Hunter shared the story of his accident, his recovery, and the vital things that helped him adjust to a different future: his faith, his community, and an mindset rooted in ownership and choice. This journey was the catalyst that led to the No Bad Days framework.
story & news
Hunter’s Story in the News
- UND football player involved in ski accident in Colorado Valley News Live | December 27, 2019
- UND's Hunter Pinke suffers spinal injury in Colorado ski accident Grand Forks Herald | December 28, 2019
- Hunter Pinke, injured UND football player, transferred to rehab hospital Grand Forks Herald | January 7, 2020
- Prayer service, fundraiser to be held next week for Hunter Pinke Grand Forks Herald | January 10, 2020
- How Hunter Pinke manages to feel lucky even after a severe spinal injury Grand Forks Herald | February 25, 2020
- How watching the GoPro video of his accident helped Hunter Pinke find closure and turn his attention to new life goals Grand Forks Herald | February 28, 2020
- How Hunter Pinke went from motivating teammates to inspiring an entire community Grand Forks Herald | February 28, 2020
- Hunter Pinke, the UND football player who severed his spine in a ski accident, is coming home after 90 days recovering in Colorado Grand Forks Herald | March 25, 2020
- UND's Hunter Pinke is coming home after 90 days recovering from ski accident in Colorado The Dickinson Press | March 26, 2020
- Hunter Pinke named Grand Forks Herald's 2020 Person of the Year Grand Forks Herald | December 2020
- Here's a look back at the Herald's top stories of 2020 Grand Forks Herald | January 11, 2021
- UND football captain Hunter Pinke, who severed his spine in a 2019 ski accident, will enroll to Arizona to compete in adapted track and field Grand Forks Herald | Early 2021
- Hunter Pinke UND Alumni Association & Foundation | October 5, 2021
- A Story of Overcoming Hurdles: Hunter Pinke Heather Earles | July 15, 2021
- 2 years after a skiing accident left him paralyzed, Hunter Pinke refuses to have 'bad days' InForum | January 13, 2022
- Hunter Pinke delivers inspiring message, thanks community at UND's Delta Gamma Lectureship Grand Forks Herald | April 26, 2023
- Paralyzed athlete-turned-speaker brings message of resilience to Dickinson The Dickinson Press | August 15, 2024
- No Bad Days: Hunter Pinke Brings His Powerful Message to Dickinson State Dickinson State University | August 22, 2024
- Entrepreneurial Perspective: No Bad Days with Hunter Pinke Minot State University | October 30, 2025
- 'No Bad Days,' Pinke spreads positivity to elementary students Frazee-Vergas Forum | March 31, 2026
LISTEN & GROW
Every Story Has the Power to Change Your Perspective
30th October, 2026
Ep. 36: Sit Down with Kaylee Powers
Kaylee Powers is not only my friend, but someone whose perspective I value. She’s lived
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14th October, 2026
Ep. 35: My Journey to the 2028 Paralympics
I never knew the Paralympics were a dream of mine… until it started becoming a
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30th September, 2026
Ep. 34: Youth Sports: Is My Opinion a Hot Take?
Youth sports are supposed to be about more than wins, losses, rankings, and championships. They’re
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