Inside App State Athletics: 7.1.26

App Family,
 
Another athletics year is in the books, and momentum is already building toward an exciting 2026-27 season.
 
Last week, App State Football season tickets sold out for the fifth straight year – a testament to the unmatched passion of App Nation! We are all excited to see our team run out in front of a packed crowd at The Rock, which has been recognized by ESPN and The Athletic as one of the top 25 stadiums in college football for two straight years. Your energy creates one of the best home-field advantages in the country!
 
Please gather your friends and families at The Rock and assist in selling out each individual home game. Yosef Club members and current season tickets holders now have early access to single-game tickets before they go on sale to the general public on July 7. Be sure to check your email for your early access code.
 
The excitement surrounding athletics extends well beyond the playing fields. App State Athletics continues to be one of western North Carolina's most impactful economic drivers, generating an estimated $100+ million in annual economic activity. Local hotels, restaurants, shops and businesses thrive throughout the High Country when fans travel up the mountain for our events. Gathering and engaging our student-athletes, fans and community remains central to our mission.
 

Competitive Investment

In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, resource generation is of the utmost importance. Our investments in our programs need to match our expectations. We continue to innovate and develop additional avenues to raise resources. The financial environment continues to present challenges as we look to grow.
 
THANK YOU to everyone who has invested in App State Athletics by joining the Yosef Club, purchasing tickets, attending events, buying licensed merchandise, donating to sport-specific support funds or participating in our golf tournaments and auctions. Your investment and commitment to the A fuels our success.

We have recently received a transformational gift from a longtime member of the App Family (more on that soon). In addition, we are in active discussions with several supporters and corporate partners about substantial investments that will elevate our competitive excellence, enhance the world-class experience for our student-athletes and position App State for continued success.
 
That commitment is also being championed by two proud App State alumni and former football student-athletes, Steve Wilks and Rick Beasley. Both have stepped up in a major way, investing their time and resources to meet with individuals and groups, to share what makes App State special, and rally the Mountaineer faithful as we enter this next chapter of making Magic on the Mountain.
 
Summer Events
We enjoyed connecting with many of you at the annual football golf tournament and auction earlier this month. Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored the event, volunteered or donated. Your support continues to make this one of our signature fundraising events each year.
 
There is still time to register for the annual Yosef Club Golf Classic on July 20.
 
On July 25, Jon Pardi will perform live at The Rock with special guest Alexandra Kay. If you haven't already secured your tickets, make plans to enjoy the show of the summer.
 
Be sure to visit our Mountaineer Experiences web page for a full list of upcoming concerts, comedy shows, fundraising events, FanFest and more. Your attendance at all these events helps directly support App State Athletics.
 
We look forward to seeing you in the High Country this summer.

2025-26 Year in Review 

Our student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom, in competition and in the community. Their achievements this year were remarkable. I am inspired daily by their commitment, and by the coaches and support staff who work tirelessly to support their success.
 
Highlights from the 2025-26 academic year include:

• 28th straight semester with a cumulative student-athlete GPA of 3.0+
• Winner of the inaugural Sun Belt SAAC Community Impact Award
• Sun Belt Men's Cross Country Champions
• Sun Belt Women's Cross Country Champions
• SoCon Wrestling Champions
• Sun Belt Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year Brad Herbster
• Sun Belt Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year Annie Richards
• Highest-ranked football recruiting class in Sun Belt history
• Matthew Gray set App State and Sun Belt pole vault records and now ranks No. 12 all-time in NCAA history. He earned first-team All-America honors by placing fifth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships
• Savannah Dada-Mascoll became the first All-American in App State women's tennis history when she reached the final eight of the NCAA Singles Championship. She was also named the Sun Belt Player of the Year and the ITA National Most Improved Player
• Zoe Duval became the first NCAA Regional qualifier in App State women's golf history
• Men's Basketball tied for second in Sun Belt play
• Track & Field posted program-best Sun Belt outdoor finishes – 2nd (men) and 3rd (women)
• Baseball finished third in the nation's fifth-best conference, with a win at No. 11 Southern Miss and a road series win against College World Series participant Troy
• Field Hockey climbed to No. 17 in the national rankings and reached the MAC Tournament semifinals
• Wins over ACC opponents in soccer (Miami) and volleyball (Virginia, Duke)

 

Facility Updates

Our commitment to investing in championship-caliber facilities continues to transform the student-athlete experience while creating new opportunities to engage App Nation. The new Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility remains on schedule, with the 100+ yard turf field opening early this fall. The facility will also serve the community through its large event space and public-private health care collaborations.
 
The Mildred Southern Indoor Tennis Facility at App 105 is scheduled for completion this summer. The facility will be the new home of App State Tennis and will offer opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community engagement.
 
Momentum continues for the East Tower project at The Rock. If you are interested in premium seating options, contact our development staff at mountaineersathleticfund@appstate.edu.
 
Planned renovations to Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium will further enhance one of the most beautiful baseball venues in the country.
 
Thank you for believing in our mission, investing in our student-athletes and helping us continue to build something special.
 
It's Great to be a Mountaineer!
 
Go App!

Doug Gillin
Director of Athletics