UNC Asheville Athletics • May 2018 Bulldog Bites

UNC Asheville Athletics Graduates 42 Student-Athletes

Patten Makes History at NCAA Singles Championships 2 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 UNC Asheville Athletics Graduates 42 Student-Athletes

ASHEVILLE, N.C. –The Pursuit sometimes I think what our student- Ben Chapal – Men’s Soccer Keller Dixon – Women’s Soccer of Champions and Leaders for UNC athletes are doing in the classroom is lost Zack Compton – Men’s Soccer Caroline Houser – Women’s Soccer Asheville athletics officially culminates in all of the great things they are doing Zak Davis (Master’s) - Men’s Soccer Emma Houser – Women’s Soccer when student-athletes graduate, and 42 athletically for our University. Their Ryan Enriquez – Men’s Soccer Brooke Miller – Women’s Soccer more were added to the prestigious list of efforts athletically are just one part of the Sam Holton – Men’s Soccer Courtney Naber – Women’s Soccer Bulldogs to graduate from the institution story. We truly have student-athletes at Andrew Lawrence – Men’s Soccer Katie Tuorto – Women’s Soccer on Saturday, May 12, 2018. UNC Asheville that value and champion Hayden Poell – Men’s Soccer Carly Emerson – Swimming The newest 42 athletic graduates took pursing greatness with their academic, Hunter Koike – Track and Field Shannon Kennedy – Swimming part in the May 2018 Commencement athletic and lifelong goals.” Chilton Birdwhistell – Cross Country Elizabeth Murray – Swimming exercises held at the quadrangle on the and Track and Field Alejandra Sanchez Garcia – Swimming UNC Asheville campus. 2018 UNC Asheville May Graduates Dominic Collichio – Cross Country and Stephanie Smith – Swimming UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Nick Boyles – Baseball Track and Field Allie Snyder – Swimming Janet R. Cone is extremely proud of the Jordan Fulbright – Baseball Jacob Fink – Cross Country and Track Brittany Thomas – Swimming 42 graduating Bulldog student-athletes. Jesse Juday – Baseball and Field Emily Werth – Swimming “Speaking for the entire department, I Joe Zayatz – Baseball David Hager – Cross Country and Track Kayli Nichols – Track and Field want to congratulate these tremendous Kevin Vannatta – Men’s Basketball and Field Maddie Lowe – Cross Country and student-athletes and wish all of them a Alec Wnuk – Men’s Basketball Bronaza Fitzgerald – Women’s Track and Field great deal of future success,” Cone said. Ahmad Thomas – Men’s Basketball Basketball Phoebe Schneider – Cross Country and “It’s been a special 2017-18 athletic year. Raekwon Miller – Men’s Basketball Khaila Webb – Women’s Basketball Track and Field We say it all the time, but truthfully Jackson Allen – Men’s Soccer Gretchen Dettlinger – Women’s Soccer Amalie Davidsen – Women’s Tennis May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 3 UNC Asheville Athletics Holds Annual ASHPYS Award Celebration

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Spotlight Performance of the Year: Dance): Tiffany Bailey Women’s Soccer: Kyra Kandel Asheville athletics department held its Men’s Tennis win over Clemson Spirt of the Bulldog Award (Gameday Women’s Swimming: Alejandra annual ASHPYS awards celebration on Record-Breaking Performance Award: Band): Maddie Wiggins Sanchez Garcia Monday, April 30, 2018. Ahmad Thomas, Men’s Basketball Bulldog Challenge Award Winner: Men’s Tennis: Henry Patten The 2018 ASHPYS hosted by the Bulldog Fan of the Year Award: Elijah Women’s Golf Women’s Tennis: Kylee Shipley Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Roberts Men’s Track and Field: Victor Mathuthu (SAAC) were held on the floor of Kimmel Comeback Athlete of the Year: Tiffany NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees: Women’s Track and Field: Kayli Nichols Arena inside the Sherrill Center with Wilson Women’s Basketball Caroline Houser, Women’s Soccer and Volleyball: Cara Guthrie the event starting with a dinner for UNC Best Postgame Celebration: UNC Kayli Nichols, Women’s Track and Field Asheville student-athletes before the Asheville Men’s Basketball After 2017-18 Scholar-Athlete Award awards celebration. Big South Title-Clinching Win Over Christenberry Award for Academic Winners “What a great night this was to Winthrop Excellence: Kayli Nichols, Track and celebrate our true champions and Co-Coach of the Year: Tom Hand, Field and Kevin Vannatta, Men’s Baseball: Jesse Juday leaders,” UNC Asheville Director of Men’s Tennis and Brenda Mock Basketball Men’s Basketball: Kevin Vannatta Athletics Janet R. Cone said. “The 2017- Kirkpatrick, Women’s Basketball Women’s Basketball: Ali Trani 18 athletic year is one that I will always Male Student-Athlete of the Year: 2017-18 Bulldog Award Winners Men’s Cross Country: Blanton Gillespie remember fondly, and I am thankful we Henry Patten, Men’s Tennis Women’s Cross Country: Phoebe had the opportunity to celebrate all of the Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Baseball: Carmine Pagano Schneider tremendous accomplishments over the Bronaza Fitzgerald, Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball: Raekwon Miller Women’s Golf: Linna Brooks course of the year.” Female Big Dog Award: Madeline Women’s Basketball: Bronaza Men’s Soccer: Brendan O’Dowd Finley, Women’s Tennis Fitzgerald Women’s Soccer: Maura Coolbaugh 2017-18 ASHPYS Award Winners Male Big Dog Award: Chilton Men’s Cross Country: Dominic Women’s Swimming: Elizabeth Murray Birdwhistell, Track and Field Collichio Men’s Tennis: Andrew Sinai Male Freshman of the Year: Victor Janet R. Cone Bulldog Service and Women’s Cross Country: Kelley Women’s Tennis: Madeline Finley Mathuthu, Track and Field Leadership Award: Elizabeth Conte, Coleman Men’s Track and Field: Tyree McFalling Female Freshman of the Year: Taylor Women’s Swimming Women’s Golf: Adelyn Deery Women’s Track and Field: Jasmine Cox Hinson, Women’s Golf Spirit of the Bulldog Award (Cheer & Men’s Soccer: Joe LaCasto Volleyball: Carter Kennedy 4 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Lindsay Vera Named UNC Asheville Women’s Soccer Head Coach ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Department of Athletics announced on Tuesday, May 22, that Lindsay Vera has been named the fourth women’s soccer head coach in program history. “We are excited to have Lindsay join our team,” UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone said. “Having helped start the program at UTRGV, Lindsay knows what it takes to build a program from the ground up, and we know that her coaching and strong playing experience will allow her to be successful with the Bulldogs. We cannot wait to introduce Lindsay to Bulldogs everywhere.” Vera joins the Bulldog family from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she was an assistant coach under head coach Glad Bugariu. During her four-year stint at UTRGV, Vera was the assistant coach and camp director for the women’s club. While at UTRGV, she saw the squad go 32- 37-11, which included back-to-back winning seasons in 2016 and 2017. In the program’s third year of existence, UTRGV posted its first- ever winning season at 10-8-1. “I am so excited for the opportunity to lead the UNC Asheville women’s soccer program,” Vera said. “Asheville is a perfect fit for me, both personally and professionally, and I am ready to get there and push the Bulldogs forward. I want to thank Janet R. Cone and Terri Brne for all they have done for me thus far. “Furthermore, I could not make such a step in my career if it weren’t for Glad Bugariu, the coaching staff and all of our players at UTRGV. I’d also like to thank Chris King, Farrah Manthei and Lance Morgan for their continued support during my time in the Valley.” Prior to her arrival to UTRGV, Vera served as volunteer assistant coach at NC State from 2011-12. Her responsibilities included assisting in training plans, participating in training sessions, completing NCAA practice logs, reviewing game footage and handling team social media accounts. Vera also worked for the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) in Raleigh, N.C., where she worked as a coach and Director of Marketing from 2009-13. She coached teams between the ages of 9-16, trained players individually and served as a camp coordinator and coach. On the marketing side, Vera planned and organized special events, created and maintained sponsorships, implemented fundraising events, organized the club’s seventh round (43rd overall) of the 2009 Shannon Boxx and Amy LePeilbet. two-time team captain, Vera earned All-ACC website and social media pages, generated Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) League As a player, Vera finished her NC State second-team honors during each of her final presentations and marketing materials for Draft, which was the highest level of women’s playing career with 27 goals and 67 career three seasons after being named to the All- CASL programs and events and hired and professional soccer in North America. There, points. Her goal output was tied for 10th in ACC Freshman Team in 2005. She was an managed interns. she trained and competed with U.S. Women’s program history. She was the Wolfpack’s NSCAA All-Region selection in 2006 and the The Boston Breakers selected Vera in the National team players such as Kristine Lilly, leading scorer in three of her four seasons. A NC State Team MVP in 2007. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 5 HISTORIC DAY! Henry Patten Picks Up First NCAA Win for UNC Asheville Men’s Tennis

Two-time Big South Player of the Year Henry Patten became just the second player in Big South history to advance to the second round of the NCAA Men’s Tennis Singles Championship with a thrilling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Alex Lebedev of Notre Dame on Wednesday, May 23, at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C. The victory was the first win for the UNC Asheville men’s tennis program in the NCAA Men’s Tennis Singles Championship. To learn more about Patten’s historic win and much more, please visit uncabulldogs.com. 6 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Three UNC Asheville Programs Honored With NCAA Public Recognition Awards

INDIANAPOLIS – Three UNC in all facets of the University experience record 28 athletic programs among by publicly recognizing their latest Asheville programs were honored with and are representative of all our athletic those honored by the NCAA with Public multiyear APR (the most recent APRs Public Recognition Awards from the programs at UNC Asheville. Our student- Recognition Awards for their latest are based on scores from the 2013-14, NCAA when the Academic Progress athletes truly embrace the challenge Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores -- 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic Rate (APR) scores were released on of becoming ‘Champions in Athletics the fourth consecutive year with a record years). This announcement is part of the Wednesday, May 16, 2018. and Leaders in Life,’” UNC Asheville total and four more than the previous overall Division I academic reform effort These awards are given each year to Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone said. high, as well as the 10th overall double- and is intended to highlight teams who teams with APRs in the top 10 percent in In addition to those listed above, UNC figure total in the 13 years of the NCAA’s demonstrate a commitment to academic each sport and the results are based on the Asheville baseball, men’s basketball, academic reform program. progress and retention of student-athletes 2016-17 academic year. men’s cross country, men’s soccer, men’s Each year, the NCAA tracks the by achieving the top APRs within The three UNC Asheville programs that track and field, women’s golf, women’s classroom performance of student- their respective sports. By measuring were honored by the NCAA were men’s soccer, women’s swimming and volleyball athletes on every Division I team through eligibility, graduation and retention each tennis, women’s basketball and women’s all had single-year 1,000 APR scores in the annual scorecard of academic semester or quarter, the APR provides a tennis. 2016-17. achievement, known as APR. The score clear picture of academic performance in “These three teams work extremely hard The Big South Conference had a league- honors selected Division I sports teams each sport. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 7

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UNC Asheville track and field head coach Jesse Norman was tabbed Big South Women’s Coach of the Year for the Bulldogs’ performance during the 2018 outdoor season. At the Big South Championships, the women’s track and field team finished sixth with 50 team points. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 9 UNC Asheville Men’s Soccer to be Featured on National Stage This Summer

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Once again this In addition, two UNC Asheville men’s County SC. Evan Lewis will spend the Tri-Cities Otters Reserves summer the UNC Asheville men’s soccer soccer alumni in Zack Joens and Paul summer playing with the Torch FC. Elvis Wiredu team will be featured on some of the top Egle are on the 2018 Asheville City SC UNC Asheville athletics will update the Carter Phillips developmental teams in the country. roster. progress of the players over the course Frank Morales In fact, well over half of the 2018 roster Five Bulldogs will be playing with the of the summer. To learn more about Kyle Adams will be utilizing the summer months Tri-Cities Otters Reserves squad this UNC Asheville men’s soccer, please visit Lane Carroll to train among the best, while playing summer in Elvis Wiredu, Carter Phillips, uncabulldogs.com. against some of the top competition in Frank Morales, Kyle Adams and Lane Carolina Dynamo the country. Carroll. The five will get the chance Asheville City SC Luke Manring Six Bulldogs who will suit up for to train with the Premier Development Brandon Millington Josh Peterman the 2018 UNC Asheville men’s soccer League first-team as part of their efforts Dante Bova season are currently on the Asheville for the Tri-Cities Otters Reserves squad. Brendan O’Dowd Orange County SC U23 City Soccer Club roster in Brandon UNC Asheville’s Luke Manring and Ben Katt Joe LaCasto Millington, Brendan O’Dowd, Dante Josh Peterman will be playing this Izaiah Vignali Bova, Izaiah Vignali, Ben Katt and summer for the Carolina Dynamo, while Tanner Gilliam Torch FC Tanner Gilliam. Joe LaCasto will suit up for the Orange Evan Lewis 10 • Bulldog Bites May 2018

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Blanton classroom. at UNC Asheville. When I think of the A junior from Shelby, N.C., Gillespie Gillespie of UNC Asheville track Gillespie’s honor marks the second meaning of a student-athlete, Blanton was named the 2018 Big South Outdoor and field and cross country has been straight year a member of UNC is what I think of. He’s accomplished Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the selected to the 2018 Google Cloud Asheville track and field and cross great things in the classroom and has Year. Academic All-District® Men’s Track & country has been selected to the continually progressed his athletic The Chemistry major with a minor Field/Cross Country District 3 Team. Academic All-District Team. Caleb career. Neither has compromised the in Neuroscience after the conclusion As an Academic All-District selection Smith garnered Academic All-District other. In fact, I believe they have of his junior year now owns a 3.996 on the team selected by CoSIDA, honors last year for UNC Asheville. helped to strengthen each other. grade-point average. Gillespie is now eligible for Google “I’m very excited about Blanton Not only is this a great individual A distance runner, Gillespie was Cloud Academic All-America honors. winning this honor,” UNC Asheville accomplishment for Blanton, but this selected to the 2018 Big South Men’s The Google Cloud Academic All- track and field and cross country head is a great honor for the track team as Indoor Track and Field All-Academic District® teams recognize the nation’s coach Jesse Norman said. “He is very it gives another example of the kind Team following the conclusion of the top student-athletes for their combined deserving and I know he has worked of student-athletes we bring into and Indoor Conference Championships on performances on the field and in the hard for this throughout his time here develop in this program.” Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018. 12 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Allen Named to Google Cloud Academic All-District® Women’s At-Large Team

ASHEVILLE, N.C. –The College Google Cloud Academic All-America® co-cultures of bacteria to determine if it She earned the award based on her Sports Information Directors of America ballot, with Google Cloud Academic All- shows antibiotic activity against Staph performance in the pool and in the (CoSIDA) announced the Google Cloud America® teams announced in June. and E. Coli. classroom. Academic All-District® At-Large Team Allen is one of two swimmers that “We are so proud of Catherine’s Outside of the classroom, Allen is an on Thursday, and sophomore Catherine compete in the Coastal Collegiate Sports accomplishments both in the classroom exceptional swimmer for the Bulldogs. Allen was named to the District 3 Team. Association (CCSA) to be honored and and pool,” said UNC Asheville This season at the CCSA Championships The Google Cloud Academic All- is also one of three swimmers that were swimming head coach Elizabeth Lykins. in Athens, Ga., the Raleigh, N.C. native District® accolade marks the first time selected out of District 3. She is also “Receiving the Google Cloud Academic broke two individual school records (100 a UNC Asheville swimmer has been one of only 17 total NCAA Division I All-District® honor is well-deserved, as and 200 butterfly) and two relay program honored by CoSIDA. swimmers that were selected to the At- she is heavily involved with the Honors records (800 freestyle and 400 medley The 2017-18 Google Cloud Academic Large Teams. Program and undergraduate biology relays). All-District® Women’s At-Large Team Allen, who has an unblemished 4.0 research. Catherine’s commitment to On top of Allen’s individual accolade, recognizes the nation’s top student- grade-point average as a Biology major, her studies reaches beyond the typical the swim team was awarded its 11th athletes for their combined performances is a Pisgah Merit Award winner and is a student-athlete.” straight College Swimming and Diving in the pool and in the classroom. member of the UNC Asheville Honors In April of this season, Allen earned Coaches Association of America First-team Google Cloud Academic Program. As a sophomore, she is doing UNC Asheville’s first-ever CCSA (CSCAA) Scholar All-America Team All-District® honorees advance to the undergraduate research that tests the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. honor in February of this year. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 13 Santos Announces Addition of Eight to Volleyball Roster ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville (2.8). volleyball head coach Frederico Santos announced the addition of eight to the 2018 Sammy Luscher Bulldog roster recently. Hometown: Wilmington, N.C. The eight newcomers join a UNC Asheville High School: Ashley High School volleyball program that had its most Position: Setter conference wins since 2010 this past season. Coach Santos on Sammy: “Sammy will add depth to the setter position, which will 2018 UNC Asheville Volleyball Additions be highly competitive this fall. She is a smart (Listed Alphabetically) player that has great skills and is a fiery Meghan Bewick competitor.” Hometown: Greenville, N.C. High School: D.H. Conley High School Luscher was the Ashley High School Position: Defensive Specialist team Most Valuable Player for two years. A Coach Santos on Meghan: “Meghan is a two-time all-conference selection, Luscher skilled player who will add to the defensive helped lead her team to the conference specialist position. She is competitive and championship. A three-year letterwinner, right side positions this fall. She is a very Position: Outside Hitter has a drive to succeed.” Luscher, who won number Player of the smart player with a great understanding of Coach Santos on Hannah: “Hannah will Week awards, was a three-year captain for the game. She is a team player that is very also come in and add depth to the outside Meghan joins the UNC Asheville Ashley High School. competitive. She had a very good college hitter position as well as the right side volleyball program after spending her A two-time state champion with her club career at Catawba Valley. We look forward position. She is a very well-trained player freshman season with the women’s soccer team, Luscher was the Yearbook Editor-in- to having her experience this fall.” from the Sports Performance Club in program. Chief at Ashley High School. She won the Chicago and she will bring excitement and Before making her way to UNC Asheville, Scholastic Gold Key award for both art and At Lake Norman, Pinard was a Junior leadership on the court.” Bewick was a three-sport high school photography and was a National Honors Marshall and an Honor Roll selection. The Spicer is a three-time Academic All- athlete, competing in basketball, volleyball Society member. team captain, she garnered all-conference Conference selection and an Honorable and soccer. She won Defensive Player of the first-team honors. Mention All-Area selection as a senior. She Year in volleyball her sophomore year. Peyton McClinton Named to the All-Academic Region and received the St. Charles East Volleyball Bewick was all-conference in both soccer Hometown: Louisville, Ky. National Junior College Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award as a senior. and volleyball in her sophomore and junior High School: Presentation Academy (NJCAA) All-Academic first-team, Pinard seasons. She was a member of the National Position: Outside Hitter won the team Most Valuable Player award Grace Volk Honor Society, French Honor Society and Coach Santos on Peyton: “Peyton will and was a NJCAA all-region team choice. Hometown: Arlington, Neb. English Honor Society in high school. challenge for a starting position at outside Pinard was named to the NJCAA Region X High School: Arlington High School hitter this fall. She is a smart hitter, has great District P All-Tournament Team. Position: Setter Julia Borges Teixeira da Silva skills and is a great competitor.” Coach Santos on Grace: “Grace will add Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Anna Skryd depth and competition to the setting position. High School: Sistema Elite de Ensino McClinton was selected as the outstanding Hometown: St. Charles, Ill. She is a smart player that leads on the floor Junior College: Broward College varsity hitter on her high school team for the High School: St. Charles East well.” Position: Right Side last three years. She helped lead her team to Position: Libero Coach Santos on Julia: “We are thrilled to the KHSAA Class A state championship in Coach Santos on Anna: “Anna is a highly- A four-time all-conference selection, Volk have Julia Borges on our roster. Julia brings 2015 and 2016. trained player from the prestigious Sports was chosen first-team all-conference in both a wealth of experience needed on the floor A two-time KHSAA All-Tournament Team Performance club in Chicago. She will 2016 and 2017. A three-year team captain, and is greatly skilled. Her volleyball IQ and selection, McClinton was the Most Valuable challenge for a starting spot this fall. She is Volk was also an all-state honorable mention leadership will be a tremendous addition to Player in the tournament in 2016. An AAU a driven player with a great attitude and a selection from 2014-17. our team.” Premier All-American in 2017, McClinton competitive drive.” The Valedictorian at her high school, Volk was a part of four District Championship was the Arlington High School Student Borges originally started her career at teams at Presentation. The Most Valuable Player in St. Charles Council President and the National Honor North Idaho College before transferring to East’s preseason tournament, Skryd was an Society President. She was also the team Broward College in 2016. She missed all of Sabrina Pinard all-conference and all-tournament selection captain of her club team that finished second the 2016 season due to a medical redshirt. Hometown: Huntersville, N.C. during her time in the prep ranks. place at nationals. This past season with the Seahawks, High School: Lake Norman Charter Skryd was a two-time Academic All- A two-year member of the National Borges was named All-Southern Conference Junior College: Catawba Valley Conference choice. Honor Society, Spicer was the Morning in the NJCAA. In the NJCAA Region 8 Position: Middle Blocker/Right Side Announcement Team anchor at St. Charles statistics, Borges was 16th in digs per set Hannah Spicer East. She was also a member of the National (3.80), 17th in hitting percentage, 30th in Coach Santos on Sabrina: “Sabrina will Hometown: St. Charles, Ill. Spanish Honor Society and the Peer kills per set (2.38) and 33rd in points per set bring experience to the middle blocker and High School: St. Charles East High School Leadership and HOPE Club. 14 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Jesse Juday Named to Big South All-Academic Team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - UNC Asheville with a concentration in mechatronics. Presidential Honor Roll. He was also on award winner, he was also a member of senior right-handed pitcher Jesse Juday During his four-year Bulldog career, he the Dean’s list for six semesters. the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. was named to the Big South Conference maintained a grade-point average (GPA) With his mechatronics engineering On the diamond this year, Juday was All-Academic Team. of 3.634. During his senior season, he degree, Juday was ranked sixth out of a key reliever for the Bulldogs. The The postseason awards were announced earned a fall GPA of 3.823 and capped 54 people in his class. He also earned Greensboro, N.C. native appeared in by the league office on Tuesday, May 22. off his final year in Asheville with a distinction and cum laude honors from a team-high 25 games, where he only Juday graduated from UNC Asheville 3.845 GPA. In fact every semester at UNC Asheville. allowed 15 earned runs in 25.1 innings of this spring with a degree in engineering UNC Asheville, he was on the Big South As a two-time Ashby Scholar-Athlete work. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 15 UNC Asheville Continues to Shine in the Classroom in the Spring of 2018

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC In total, the 204 UNC Asheville Among the men’s sports at UNC “The commitment of our student- Asheville student-athletes put together student-athletes in the spring of 2018 Asheville, track and field for the athletes in the classroom at UNC another incredibly strong semester in combined for a 3.157 grade-point second consecutive semester had the Asheville is second-to-none,” UNC the classroom in the spring of 2018. average. best semester in the classroom in the Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. In fact, over 61 percent (125) of UNC Even more impressive was the fact spring with a 3.337 team grade-point Cone said. “It was a special spring of Asheville’s 204 student-athletes in the that 63 Bulldogs finished with a grade- average. In addition, UNC Asheville 2018 for our athletics department and spring of 2018 ended their efforts in the point average of 3.5 or higher to garner women’s golf for the second straight I look forward to our student-athletes semester with a grade-point average Dean’s list accolades, while 21 were semester took top honors among the embracing ‘The Pursuit of Champions of 3.0 or higher to earn Honor Roll named to the Chancellor’s List with women’s teams in the spring with a and Leaders’ in the 2018-19 athletic honors. perfect 4.0 grade-point averages. 3.596 team grade-point average. year.” 16 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Nichols, Gillespie Named Big South Scholar-Athletes of the Year

UNC Asheville distance runner Blanton Gillespie and sprinter Kayli Nichols were named the Men’s and Women’s Big South Outdoor Track and Field Scholar-Athletes of the Year at the conclusion of the Big South Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 11. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 17 A Day They Will Always Remember: UNC Asheville Women’s Golf Surprised With Team Van

ARDEN, N.C. – It was a complete tournaments in their own customized reality allows our student-athletes the surprise our student-athletes with this surprise. van. opportunity to continue to have one of new van that will allow our Bulldogs It’s something that the UNC Asheville The UNC Asheville golf van was the premier experiences in college golf to promote UNC Asheville everywhere women’s golf program has been made possible by The Cliffs and by a at UNC Asheville.” they travel in a very unique way.” needing since the start of the program, group of private donors. UNC Asheville Director of Athletics In just two seasons, UNC Asheville but after two full seasons, it is also “What a great surprise for our Janet R. Cone is truly thankful that the women’s golf has already won two something that they now have. student-athletes,” UNC Asheville vision for this golf van is now a reality. tournaments and numerous individual The UNC Asheville women’s golf women’s golf head coach Breanne Hall “When we started this program, this accolades such as freshman Taylor program was presented with a specially said. “During our first two years as was always in our plans, but it takes a Hinson earning Big South All- outfitted van on Monday, May 7, at The a program, this is something that we great deal to make things such as this Freshman Team honors this year and Cliffs at Walnut Cove. have noticed that we needed to be able happen,” Cone said. “We could not sophomore Linna Brooks being named The van will now allow the UNC to continue to place ourselves among have done this without our friends at Big South All-Academic. Last year, Asheville women’s golf program the best in women’s college golf. The The Cliffs and the many private donors Becca Black was named to the Big to travel to various events and golf generosity of others to make this van a who worked hard behind the scenes to South All-Freshman Team. 18 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Fitzgerald Signs Professional Contract with TV Saarlouis Royals

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Asheville rebounds. In her final season at UNC fifth in UNC Asheville Division I career was the Bulldogs’ leading rebounder in women’s basketball forward Bronaza Asheville, she averaged a double-double rebounding and seventh in all-time 27 games and scorer in 14 games. Fitzgerald has signed a professional with 13.9 points and 10 rebounds per rebounding. Out of her 31 starts last season, contract to play with the TV Saarlouis contest. With her 319 rebounds during the Fitzgerald posted double-digits in points Royals out of Germany. “She had an exceptional year this past 2017-18 season, she ranks first in UNC in 25 games. “We are so happy for Bree, and this season and had arguably the best overall Asheville Division I history for single- “I am thankful to her agent, Thomas opportunity for her to continue her performance in the conference by leading season rebounds. Prodromou, for securing Bree a job where basketball career as a professional is the league in both scoring (15.3 points Behind her .584 percent field goal she will be successful and will continue really exciting,” said head coach Brenda per game) and rebounding (11 rebounds percentage last season, Fitzgerald netted to grow. We will be cheering her on from Mock Kirkpatrick. per game) in our 18-game conference 446 points, which ranks eighth in UNC Asheville next season and are wishing her Fitzgerald concluded her four-year schedule,” Mock said. Asheville Division I single-season the very best as she begins her career in Bulldog career with 963 points and 753 Fitzgerald finished her career ranked scoring. During her senior campaign, she Saarlouis, Germany,” Mock said. May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 19 Nolte to Serve as General Manager of UNC Asheville IMG Sports Marketing Property

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville meet Meg in the near future.” and creating and managing an Account to drive revenue and increase consumer Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone Nolte is thrilled to be a Bulldog. Management team as part of the Global perception and brand preference. She recently announced the addition of Meg “The opportunity to join the Bulldog Partnerships business at IRONMAN. most notably managed the official Nolte as the General Manager of the Athletics Team, our foundation of A sports enthusiast, Meg experienced partnerships with local professional UNC Asheville IMG Sports Marketing corporate partners and the vibrant the Endurance Industry as an athlete teams in the New Orleans Saints of the property. Asheville community is a tremendous as well. She is an IRONMAN 70.3 NFL and the Pelicans of the NBA. Nolte joins the UNC Asheville athletics one,” Nolte said. “I look forward to finisher and Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon In general, the collegiate multimedia department most recently from working driving new experiences and memories finisher. rights space is familiar to Nolte, as at IRONMAN in Tampa, Fla. She for our Bulldog fans and community Prior to her time working with she previously worked at the Tulane brings well over 10 years of corporate while providing substantial value to our IRONMAN, Nolte managed the system University property with ISP Sports in a sponsorship experience into her role. partners.” sponsorship portfolio and market-specific selling and fulfillment role (ISP Sports “We are excited to have Meg as a part During her time at IRONMAN, Nolte partnerships for a major healthcare has since been acquired and is now of our team,” Cone said. “This is a very gained extensive sponsorship experience provider in Ochsner Health System based owned by IMG College). important position to the success of on a global scale as Senior Director in New Orleans, La. Nolte graduated from St. John UNC Asheville athletics, and Meg has of Partnership Services, Activation & At Ochsner, Nolte drove the Fisher College with a double major in been working extremely hard already to VIP Experiences. At IRONMAN, Nolte development and execution of the Sports Management and Marketing. promote the Bulldog brand across the established a property-specific Partner system sponsorship activation strategy Additionally, she was a Service Scholar area. If they have not already done so, I Services fulfillment strategy while along with multifaceted marketing and a four-year starter on the women’s am excited for all UNC Asheville fans to driving incremental sponsorship revenue campaigns utilizing sponsorship assets soccer team. 20 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 2018 ‘Our Turn to Play Scholarship Luncheon’ Presented by Wells Fargo a Record-Breaking Success

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – It was a record- has also worked with the PGA. Services, Inc. in 1995, where she serves a stars at UNC Asheville. breaking day at Kimmel Arena inside Orender was thrilled to see the turnout select number of clients with independent “It is truly a gift and honor to be able the Sherrill Center on Wednesday, May in support of UNC Asheville women’s and experienced financial advice. to speak in front of that many people,” 2, 2018. athletics. The force behind WomanUP in Conte said. “I’ve never done that before, This time though it was not about a “This is a truly outstanding gathering Asheville, Webb is widely-recognized and just being in front of so many big UNC Asheville men’s and women’s of people and a tremendous show from as a leader in the Asheville area with her influential women and hearing their basketball victory, but rather it was about the community,” Orender said. “I was family name helping to provide service stories and accomplishments that they the well over 500 individuals who came very excited and, honestly, a little in the fields of insurance and financial have achieved in their lives is special.” out to support the annual “Our Turn to nervous because even though you are in management throughout Western North UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Play Scholarship Luncheon” presented by a friendly group, you want to make sure Carolina for more than 80 years. Janet R. Cone could not have been more Wells Fargo. you can connect with them and provide a UNC Asheville volleyball alum Cindi proud of how the community stepped up The event recognizes the many message that they can feel and hear and Miller (Class of 2012) also spoke about to support women’s athletics. successes of women in athletics and drive results. It’s really important for our how receiving an athletic scholarship “It was so exciting to see so many encourages all to support gender equity. female athletes to be supported in a way transformed her life, while swimming people out today supporting women’s The keynote speaker for this year’s that’s representative of a community that student-athlete Elizabeth Conte (Class of athletics, and truly as our keynote “Our Turn to Play Scholarship cares.” 2019) relayed to the audience why being speaker, Donna Orender, said ‘it’s our Luncheon” presented by Wells Fargo The event featured all of the women’s a Bulldog means so much for the current time,’ and the energy and excitement was Donna Orender, who is the CEO of athletics teams at UNC Asheville in women’s student-athletes. that was in the Sherrill Center today was Orender Unlimited, a Jacksonville-based attendance with numerous student- In a surprise announcement near the phenomenal,” Cone said. “I want to say consulting and advisory firm. athletes helping in various capacities. end of the event, Conte was also named thank you to not only our sponsors and A former professional women’s In addition, Laura Webb received the the recipient of the inaugural Janice Our Turn to Play committee members, basketball player, Orender previously Trailblazer Award at the luncheon. Brumit Rising Star Award. Brumit has but to Asheville for showing up for our served as the WNBA President and she Laura Webb founded Webb Investment long championed focusing on the rising women.” May 2018 Bulldog Bites • 21 UNC Asheville Holds ‘Mike Gore Appreciation Day’ on May 12

In honor of UNC Asheville legend Mike Gore being inducted into the Big South Hall of Fame on May 31, the athletics department held “Mike Gore Appreciation Day” as part of the baseball game against High Point on May 12. As part of the special day, Gore threw out the first pitch and he was honored over the course of the game. 22 • Bulldog Bites May 2018 Keep Up With All of the Great Things Happening with Bulldog Basketball

To keep up with all of the staff additions, roster updates and much more with UNC Asheville men’s and women’s basketball, please visit uncabulldogs.com daily.