App State soccer forward Izzi Wood’s perseverance through injury setbacks led her to become program’s all-time leading scorer

HICKORY, N.C. — History maker. That’s the way to define the illustrious career of Appalachian State University graduate student-athlete Izzi Wood. From her time at Hickory High School to her tenure with the Mountaineers women’s soccer program, Wood has made a name for herself wherever she has landed. Wood completed her final collegiate match on … Continue reading App State soccer forward Izzi Wood’s perseverance through injury setbacks led her to become program’s all-time leading scorer →

Former Catawba County prep softball greats Macy Michael and Grace Loftin joined forces for lone season together at UNC Greensboro in 2025

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The NCAA Division 1 collegiate softball season officially came to a close on June 6, as the Texas Longhorns defeated Texas Tech in the Women’s College World Series, two games to one. Nevertheless, to a lesser degree, two former Catawba County prep softball greats shared the field together for the University of … Continue reading Former Catawba County prep softball greats Macy Michael and Grace Loftin joined forces for lone season together at UNC Greensboro in 2025 →

PRIDE OF THE TRIBE: William & Mary sophomore guard Cassidy Geddes reflects on program’s historic journey in 2024-25

WILLIAMSBURG, V.A. – For many, mid-March to early April is a time of the year for rejuvenation as the season springs into something anew. The same thing can be said for collegiate basketball at both men’s and women’s Division 1 campuses. As one chapter of the story closes, another one takes its place in the … Continue reading PRIDE OF THE TRIBE: William & Mary sophomore guard Cassidy Geddes reflects on program’s historic journey in 2024-25 →

HOME AGAIN: Former St. Stephens wrestling star Coy Reid ends collegiate career in a full-circle destination

HICKORY, N.C. – Who says you can’t go home again? Montreat College senior Coy Daniel Reid did just that as he embarked in his final chapter competing on the wrestling mat. Montreat College senior and former St. Stephens High School wrestler Coy Reid with his family as he is recognized for 'Senior Night' at Arndt … Continue reading HOME AGAIN: Former St. Stephens wrestling star Coy Reid ends collegiate career in a full-circle destination →

FROM RED DEVIL TO SPARTAN: UNC Greensboro outfielder Grace Loftin shines in 1st softball season at D1 level

GREENSBORO, N.C. — For some student-athletes, it takes a little time to get his or her feet wet when transitioning from the high school to collegiate level. Nevertheless, some individuals take things in stride and are able to get fairly acquainted with the next-level sports life. Former Newton-Conover High School dual-sport athlete Grace Loftin is … Continue reading FROM RED DEVIL TO SPARTAN: UNC Greensboro outfielder Grace Loftin shines in 1st softball season at D1 level →

A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Former Newton-Conover High star center Chyna Cornwell settles into new surroundings with Rutgers University

NEWTON, N.C. — Although 2020 has been a crazy time for everyone, former Newton-Conover High School standout basketball player Chyna Cornwell began the year leading her squad to an eventual North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A state championship, and now she is ending it with a new experience. This time, it is at the … Continue reading A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Former Newton-Conover High star center Chyna Cornwell settles into new surroundings with Rutgers University →

KNOCK ON WOOD: Former Lady Red Tornadoes soccer star Izzi Wood ends 1st season at App State with great potential for the future

BOONE – Star athletes' success in high school doesn't always translate at the next level, but sometimes it does. For ex-Hickory High soccer forward Isabelle “Izzi” Wood, it did just that. In her first collegiate season, Wood proved she belongs at the Division I level with Appalachian State University. The Mountaineers began the 2020 season … Continue reading KNOCK ON WOOD: Former Lady Red Tornadoes soccer star Izzi Wood ends 1st season at App State with great potential for the future →

FIRST OF MANY: Former Lady Red Tornadoes soccer star Izzi Wood collects first goal with App State

BOONE – There are a plethora of “firsts” in one’s life as it progresses. There’s one’s first steps and first words; his or her first time riding a bike; the first crush; the first kiss; the first time one drives a car. It goes on and on. Moreover, the same could be said in the … Continue reading FIRST OF MANY: Former Lady Red Tornadoes soccer star Izzi Wood collects first goal with App State →

NEVER SURRENDER: Ex-Tigers’ soccer player Andrei Tamas earned shot at collegiate level with Lenoir-Rhyne

NEWTON – We all have to overcome obstacles at some time or another in our lives. It is just the nature of the beast. Nevertheless, some individuals have to deal with much more than the average child growing up. For Fred T. Foard High School graduate and varsity boys' soccer athlete Andrei Tamas, he had … Continue reading NEVER SURRENDER: Ex-Tigers’ soccer player Andrei Tamas earned shot at collegiate level with Lenoir-Rhyne →

SHABBY: Abby Settlemyre and Shayla Thompson’s softball journey comes full circle

NEWTON, N.C. — Most student-athletes will never get a shot on the biggest stages for the biggest collegiate programs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it just isn’t always meant to be. As in almost anything in life, one dives into sports simply because of the enjoyment first and the camaraderie of building friendships as … Continue reading SHABBY: Abby Settlemyre and Shayla Thompson’s softball journey comes full circle →