SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — USC Upstate is partnering with UNC Asheville to support its student athletes following Hurricane Helene.
UNC Asheville’s campus has been closed since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. UNC Asheville has since partnered with several southeastern universities so its athletes can play home games at their facilities, including at UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, Wofford University, Gardner Webb University and Emory & Henry College. The women’s volleyball team will play the remainder of its home games at USC Upstate.
“We knew Asheville needed a place to play,” Matt Martin, the director of athletics at USC Upstate, said. “We wanted to open up our doors to allow them to still have a place to play close to Asheville.”
UNC Asheville and USC Upstate are rival schools. But, they are putting the rivalry aside during this difficult time.
“We’re great competitors but what a great friendship to know that USC Upstate are willing to host us today,” Janet Cone, the director of athletics at UNC Asheville, said.
The UNC Asheville Bulldogs defeated Radford University Friday in their first volleyball game since the hurricane.
“This is good for their mental health to know that they can be together with their teammates and coaches and also see the generosity and goodness from competitors who are letting us use their facilities,” Cone said.
While western North Carolina has a long road of recovery ahead, the bulldogs are able to return to some sense normalcy with the help of their rivals to the south.
“Some day, we’ll be called on to do the same thing,” Cone said. “Our bulldogs will step up to help our friends too.”
UNC Asheville’s women’s soccer team will play its senior game at USC Upstate on October 19.
UNC Asheville plans to reopen its campus on October 21. Classes will resume on October 28. All classes will be held online for the remainder of the semester.
