UNC Pembroke News

Anna Grossheim
November 22

Anna Grossheim among Top 9 finalists for NCAA Woman of the Year

Anna Grossheim is a generational talent. Her remarkable athletic skills on the pitch and her success in the classroom at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke are unmatched. A seven-time All-American, both as a soccer player and a scholar, Grossheim will graduate as the most decorated player in program history.

River Ryan on the pitching mound
July 25

Former UNCP star River Ryan has strong Major League debut

Former UNC Pembroke standout River Ryan became the first UNCP baseball player to reach the major leagues after his contract was selected by the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

Kelci Adams (left) and Bradlee Haskell entertain a youth
June 19

UNCP student-athletes giving back to the local community

Drenched in sweat, Jayden Custer and Christian Grimsley sprinted up and down the Jones Center gym floor, perfecting defensive drills they have been practicing all week at a youth basketball camp at UNC Pembroke.

UNC Pembroke volleyball player signs professional contract while seated beside a smiling coach, with a screen in the background announcing the signing.
April 19

All-American Vanja Przulj signs with professional volleyball team in Finland

Vanja Przulj discovered a passion for volleyball growing up in Belgrade, Serbia. From an early age, her goal was to play professionally. However, she had to leave her family behind to achieve her dream.

Elijah Cobb brings the crowd to their feet with a dunk against Young Harris
March 14

UNCP's Elijah Cobb emerges as a star after overcoming adversity

Elijah Cobb burst into tears as he hugged his coach midcourt moments after carrying his UNC Pembroke basketball team to an 82-81 overtime win in the Conference Carolinas Tournament championship.

Anna Grossheim
November 28

UNCP’s Anna Grossheim – All-American soccer star, local hero

Anna Grossheim is a UNC Pembroke soccer superstar by day. Real-life superhero by night. Grossheim has been tearing up Conference Carolinas’ opponents on the pitch for the past four seasons. Off the field, she moonlights as an EMT — helping save lives. Not only is she trained in life support and cardiac care, but she is also a volunteer firefighter with the Red Springs Fire Department and a certified rescue diver.

Hall of Fame Awards Banquet
October 27

UNCP honors distinguished alumni, Hall of Fame inductees

The achievements of outstanding alumni and former elite student-athletes at UNC Pembroke were on full display at the 55th Annual Alumni Awards and Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony on October 27. The event was part of the university’s Homecoming Week festivities, which featured a parade, concert and throwback party.

Dr. Joe West, Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, Lenore Taylor, Dick Christy, Drew Richards, Steve Varley, Eddie Mahana and Tyler Johnson
February 02

Lenore and Dick Taylor Scholarship to support UNCP student-athletes

Since her childhood on the family farm in Tabor City, N.C., Lenore Taylor has been involved in athletics and has seen the difference sports can make in the lives of young people. "My entire family was into athletics, and from the time you were old enough, you would run and play behind the stands at the high school football games on Friday night," Taylor said.

UNC Pembroke proudly recognizes recipients of the annual Alumni Awards and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees.
October 28

UNCP recognizes distinguished alumni, Hall of Fame inductees

Four distinguished UNC Pembroke alumni were honored at the 54th annual Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, October 28. This year’s recipients are Vanessa Gonzalez (Distinguished Alumni Award), Paul Willoughby Jr. (Outstanding Alumnus), Dr. Ethan Sanford (Young Alumni Award) and Dr. Kennedi Stewart Henry (Young Alumni Award). The late Hampton Brayboy and his wife, Pattie, were posthumously recognized during a special presentation. The ceremony was held at the Upchurch Auditorium at James A. Thomas Hall.

A UNCP basketball player posing with a young girl at a back to school event
August 19

UNCP's Javonte Waverly: Making a difference in his community

Javonte Waverly, a member of the men’s basketball team at UNC Pembroke, recently hosted a Back-to-School event that distributed school supplies to youth in his hometown of Henderson, North Carolina. The event was held on Saturday, August 13. JaQuaveon Venable, Waverly’s childhood friend, a former teammate at Henderson Collegiate and current UNCP student, also pitched in during the event. Venable will serve as a student manager for the men’s team this season.