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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UNCP’s Maya Grimes accepted to ECU Dental Program
Maya Grimes gave fans reasons to smile as a four-year starter and standout defender on UNC Pembroke’s women’s soccer team. Soon, the aspiring dentist will be perfecting the smiles of her patients. The senior UNCP biology student and Chancellor’s Ambassador has been accepted to East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. While most children have a fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, Grimes couldn’t wait for her next checkup. “I loved going to the dentist,” she said. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”