BOONE, N.C. — Addressing a large crowd of App State alumni, supporters, coaches and student-athletes, Shelly Henderson reflected on the growth that had enabled her to go from a teenaged member of the Mountaineers' women's golf team in the 1980s to the keynote speaker recently at the annual Legends Gala.
"App State became the place where I started building the foundation of the person that I would become," said Henderson, a Charlotte native who competed as Shelly Laney during her App State career. "It was a simple choice to come here, and that one choice changed everything."
Presented by Double Wood Farm, the 2025 Legends Gala raised $292,520 and has brought in more than $1.5 million in support of App State student-athletes since its 2017 inception.
App State alum and Tampa Bay TV reporter Charley Belcher again emceed the event, with Director of Athletics Doug Gillin making introductory remarks in the Grandview Ballroom of the North End Zone facility. A fireworks show beyond the south end zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium provided entertainment following an auction with contributions that will increase scholarship support for App State student-athletes.
Henderson was one of six individuals recognized as legends on a night that included recognition for Johnny Jennings (football), Larry Nance (tennis), Jean Roberts (academic advising), Madi Story Medlin (basketball) and Richie Williams (football).
"We are privileged to recognize different legends every year, and the App State community wants to see them and thank them," Gillin said. "It's an awesome event and a great way to raise money to support our student-athletes."
Following in the footsteps of previous keynote speakers Mack Brown, Joe Gibbs, Bobby Cremins, Daniel Jeremiah, Chris Swecker, Dexter Coakley and Omar Carter, Henderson co-owns a successful real estate company to go along with her accomplishments as an author, podcaster and public speaker.
Henderson attended App State from 1983-87, playing for the women's golf team for four seasons and graduating in 1987 with a degree in elementary education. Named the team MVP after the 1985 season, she was able to share her memorable experience Friday with family, friends and Mountaineer teammates.
"Who I am today — wife, mother, entrepreneur, author, speaker, business leader — is because I started from scratch and I chose Appalachian State," Henderson said. "Thank you for allowing me to find my 'want to' at this special place. Thank you, App State, and thank you to every legend in this room for inspiring the next generation to do the same."
