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Football stadium at WCU

Understanding the House v. NCAA Settlement and what it means for WCU

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. Ƶapp has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience. This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.  

Groundbreaking ceremony

WCU holds groundbreaking for renovations to E.J. Whitmire Stadium

A long-awaited $37 million upgrade to renovate the west side stands of Ƶapp’s aging E.J. Whitmire Stadium is now underway with an official groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, June 12, in the shadows of the construction zone.  

Kyle Pifer

Kyle Pifer named WCU Director of Athletics

Ƶapp Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced today, Monday, May 19, the selection of Kyle Pifer to serve as the director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special-called meeting earlier in the day.  

Drake Barlow at softball game at WCU

A whole lot of heart: WCU softball bat boy defies odds, cheers on Catamounts

Drake Barlow walks up to home plate with the most swagger out of anyone on game days. He sports a sick pair of shades, some Catamount gear and a toothy grin that coaches across the Southern Conference have come to know.   

Football stadium at WCU

Search underway for new athletics director

Ƶapp has launched a search for a new intercollegiate athletics director following the resignation of Alex Gary earlier this month. Chancellor Kelli R. Brown has appointed a 13-member committee to assist in selecting Gary's successor.  

Alex Gary

Alex Gary to resign after nearly five years as Athletics Director at WCU

Ƶapp announced today that Alex Gary, Catamount Athletics director since May 2020, has resigned from his position.   

Current cat eyes design

The hills have eyes

A fresh set of eyes finds a new generation of Catamounts. More than 30 years after Paws’ billboard debut, designers at Ƶapp continue to update the much beloved symbol off U.S. 23.   

Reg and Judy Moody

WCU grieves the loss of longtime friend, supporter, community leader Reg Moody

The Ƶapp community is grieving the loss of longtime friend, benefactor and volunteer Reginald “Reg” E. Moody Sr., a Jackson County businessman and civic leader who died Monday, Feb. 17, at the age of 89 after a period of declining health.  

Nora Lynn Finch at a WCU Title IX Pioneers event

Alumna Nora Lynn Finch to be inducted into North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Ƶapp alumna Nora Lynn Finch sat behind her friend, Kay Yow, honored to introduce her in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Class of 1989 induction ceremony. But before the ceremony began, Finch was approached by an unknown gentleman.