Western Carolina University

Jordan Strickland: Balancing Act

A calming influence on her teammates, Student-Athlete Jordan Strickland successfully balanced coursework, competition and her health.

Carlos Dotson: Unlimited Potential

When Carlos Dotson found out that he had a chance to play Division 1 basketball, his entire life changed After being cut from his high school basketball team, Carlos focused in on his game and his studies so that he could have a chance to better his life by receiving a college degree.

Jason McMillan: Student-Athlete Overcomes Adversity

With each Western Carolina University commencement, the Cherokee Center honors the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and those with close ties to the Qualla Boundary who earn a degree, with an occasion in the spirit of community and individual achievement.

Life Without Baseball

Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year Justice Bigbie is coping with having the Catamounts' season canceled because of COVID-19. Justice Bigbie was starting to feel good about his swing after a seventh-inning solo home run pulled the Western Carolina University baseball team to within 5-4 of Bryant University, before the Catamounts eventually fell, 11-5.

Nothing is Impossible

Fifteen student-athletes, one head coach, three assistant coaches, one director of operations, one video coordinator, one strength and conditioning coach, one athletic trainer and eight student managers, is what creates Western Carolina University’s men’s basketball team. Nothing is impossible when this team comes together to battle against other NCAA teams.