Articles by Sophia Gray
Hailey Pearce leads No. 15 UNC volleyball to sweep over her former team, Virginia Tech
Sports Nov 21, 2025, 6:52 PM Virginia Tech sophomore outside hitter Reese Hazelton served the ball over the net. UNC senior libero Maddy May received the serve. Junior setter Zoe Behrendt played the ball behind her. Junior right-side hitter Hailey Pearce rose above the net and sent a rocket toward the Hokies. May. Behrendt. Pearce. Kill. First point of the game for the Tar Heels. For Virginia Tech, it wasn't an unfamiliar sight.
Talented transfers power comeback in UNC baseball's 3-1 scrimmage win over N.C. State
Sports Senior Writer Oct 17, 2025, 5:16 PM The last time the Tar Heels played in the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, they were running away with the 2025 ACC title. But after the conference championship season, two-thirds of UNC’s roster departed. “You look at the lineup, it is what it is,” head coach Scott Forbes said. “We lost a ton.” Over the offseason, UNC baseball’s coaching staff got to work and brought in the eighth ranked transfer class in college baseball, according to On3.
UNC football announces suspension of cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins
UNC football announced the suspension of cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins in a press release on Thursday afternoon. According to the release, Hawkins was suspended "for violating NCAA rules related to extra benefits." Early this week, TarHeel247 reported that Hawkins' suspension stemmed from supplying players' family members with sideline passes to games. Hawkins is in his first year with the Tar Heels, joining from Washington where he served as a recruiting analyst and secondary coach.
Analysis: 3 takeaways from UNC men's basketball at ACC Tipoff
Sports Assistant Sports Editor Oct 8, 2025, 11:00 PM CHARLOTTE — Heading into the offseason, head coach Hubert Davisknew he had had to make a change. There was no way around it — last season was a disappointment. Barely scraping into the tournament as one of the last four teams isn't the standard. So, the Tar Heels shook things up, completely revamping their roster and bringing in ten new players — a massive difference in roster construction from a season ago.
No. 25 UNC volleyball completes season sweep of Duke, 3-0
The No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (11-2, 4-0 ACC) swept Duke (4-11, 1-3 ACC), 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Following another sweeping win over the Blue Devils on Wednesday, the Tar Heels were on the scoreboard early in the first set after a combination of an attack error, a kill delivered by junior outside hitter Safi Hampton and a service ace. This gave UNC a 3-0 lead that grew quickly, but Duke followed closely behind.
No. 25 UNC volleyball sweeps Duke, 3-0, in first of two games
The No. 25 UNC volleyball team (10-2, 3-0 ACC) dominated its tobacco road rival Duke (4-10, 1-2 ACC), 3-0, on Wednesday night in Carmichael Arena to kick off its rivalry week. The Tar Heels started off strong with a quick kill from junior outside hitter Safi Hampton. The Blue Devils responded, matching North Carolina’s energy, staying neck and neck with UNC throughout the first set.
No. 25 UNC volleyball sweeps Duke, 3-0, in first of two games
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 25 UNC volleyball team (10-2, 3-0 ACC) dominated its tobacco road rival Duke (4-10, 1-2 ACC), 3-0, on Wednesday night in Carmichael Arena to kick off its rivalry week. The Tar Heels started off strong with a quick kill from junior outside hitter Safi Hampton. The Blue Devils responded, matching North Carolina’s energy, staying neck and neck with UNC throughout the first set.
No. 25 UNC volleyball returns to the win column with win over ECU, 3-1
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue On Sunday afternoon, the No. 25 North Carolina volleyball team (7-2) conquered the East Carolina Pirates (8-3), 3-1, in Carmichael Arena. UNC aimed to regroup after suffering its first home loss of the season to Kansas State earlier this week. North Carolina started off strong in the first set, with two quick kills by redshirt junior outside hitter Chelsea Thorpe.
Analysis: Star transfer joins veteran players in UNC football's revamped secondary
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue With a new coaching staff leading the way, the arrival of key transfers and several seasoned players returning, North Carolina football is set to redefine its defensive identity.
UNC baseball revamps roster with transfer portal additions
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Thursday, July 31, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue After a season-ending loss to Arizona in the Chapel Hill Super Regionals, UNC baseball head coach Scott Forbes and his staff wasted no time reloading the roster, turning to the transfer portal to bring in six new players. The transfers will look to replace the production lost from the departure of six starters from last season's lineup.
No. 12 UNC baseball cruises past Charlotte, 14-4, in midweek victory
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 12 Diamond Heels (29-8, 11-7 ACC) conquered Charlotte (21-15, 8-4 AAC) with a 14-4 victory on Tuesday evening at Boshamer Stadium. After never trailing against Wake, North Carolina faced quick adversity in the top of the first against the 49ers. First-year right-handed pitcher Camron Seagraves gave up back-to-back home runs, bringing in three runs for Charlotte.
UNC baseball falls, 13-9, to Stanford resulting in first season loss
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, March 7, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 4 UNC baseball team (13-1, 0-1 ACC) fell, 13-9, to Stanford (11-2, 1-0 ACC), on Friday evening at Boshamer Stadium, marking the team's first loss of the season. Behind insufficient pitching, North Carolina's deficit ballooned in the fifth inning after Stanford recorded a six-run inning. It's the largest amount of runs UNC has given up since facing Duke in May 2024.
No. 5 Diamond Heels beat VCU, 9-4, on Tuesday night
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue With two home runs from graduate first baseman Hunter Stokely, the No. 5 Diamond Heels (8-0) dominated Virginia Commonwealth University (2-6), 9-4, on Tuesday evening at Boshamer Stadium. With no score after the first inning, North Carolina kicked off the second with a double play.
No. 4 UNC women's lacrosse overpowers No. 18 JMU, 14-2, in season opener
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue The No. 4 North Carolina women’s lacrosse team (1-0) overpowered No. 18 James Madison (0-1), 14-2, during UNC’s season opener on Friday afternoon at Dorrance Field. The Dukes took possession first off the draw control, but after several saved shots by sophomore goalie Betty Nelson, James Madison could not find the net.
Hoops for Hunger collects food and hygiene items for western North Carolina
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 Newsletters Latest print issue Hoops for Hunger was hosted by the MLK Jr. University Community Planning Corporation to support Western North Carolina. Photo via cleveland.com/tns. The sound of basketballs and roar of excited players filled Woollen Gym on a chilly January afternoon as teams of UNC community members came together for Hoops for Hunger, a high-energy tournament with a powerful cause.
Local Expert: Youth Pickleball Interest Grows
A local pickleball entrepreneur showed off the sport to some Cookeville preschoolers last month, showing the sport is not just for seniors. Erik Raper teaches pickleball to players of all ages and he sells equipment, through his company “In The Zone Pickleball”. He said he has seen interest grow in all groups.
Crossville Author Published First Novel
Crossville Author Tom Catalano published his first full-length Novel, “Talisman: A Time Travel Mystery.” The book about archeologists who find a time travel device and must make the decision of weather they use it for personal gain or the betterment of society. Catalano said he began writing the book 16 years ago, working on it between his 13 other published books. Catalano said he is pleased with his first published novel.
Author & Dog Pen Book On Hiking Marathon
Local Author Mikki Betker wanted to showcase the Upper Cumberland’s rich hiking trails, through the perspective of her dog. Betker and her dog Salsa The Wonder Doodle have participated in the annual Cumberland Hiking Marathon since 2020. As part of the marathon’s ten-year anniversary, Betker wrote a book detailing each trail included. “She’s very simple but she loves hiking and she loves swimming and that’s really the focus of the book, is her perspective,” Betker said.
New App Helps Navigate Cookeville Cemetery
A new, updated app providing more accurate information to families and residents interested in the Cookeville Cemetery. The city hired its first GIS Intern this year. Jennifer Nwafor spearheaded the project. Nwafor said she was initially employed to add photos of each gravestone to the app, but in doing this she found it needed major updates. Nwafor said the new version will be epically useful for those who can not make it to the gravesite physically.
Erasmus Community Returns To Life
A local resident working to restore knowledge of the Erasmus community, a Cumberland County area that has faded into history. Erasmus founded in 1870, named after Erasmus Darwin Ashly. The community located in southeast Cumberland County. Real McCoy Farms’ Owner Vance McCoy said as he and his wife discovered their facility was located in Erasmus. McCoy said uncovering factual history about their land and community lead him to want to share it with others related to Erasmus’ past.
Crossville Airport Celebrates 90th Birthday
The growth of air travel and the need to open up the Upper Cumberland led to the creation of Crossville Memorial Airport 90 years ago. Retired Air Force Colonel Ben Welch is the Chairman of the Crossville Airport Committee. He said during the early 1930s, a group of local businessmen out saw aviation as a tool to help local economy. In 1934, the city negotiated with a local landowner for the area that the airport now sits on.
UC Faces Hottest Week Of The Summer
The National Weather Service said this week may turn out to be the hottest week of the summer. Nashville-based Meteorologist Alyssa Clements said temperatures will range from 95 to 100 the next several days. She said high pressure over the region combining for warm temperatures and no rain. “It looks like Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all feature high probabilities of reaching 100 to 102 degrees,” Clements said. “That’s above normal for late August.
Van Buren FFA Build, Sell Benches
Posted by: Sophia Gray Monday, August 26, 2024 Van Buren County High School FFA building benches for this year’s fundraiser. Van Buren High Agriculture Teacher Lance Smith said before the building process, he teaches the students basic skills like how to read a tape measure, use the tools, and goes over safety. Smith said the club does a fundraiser similar to this one each year to help pay for club expenses, jackets, and tools.
Crossville's Got Talent Auditions Set
Auditions for the latest season of Crossville’s Got Talent Benefit take place Tuesday. Proceeds for Crossville’s Got Talent support Fair Park Senior Center. Event Director Ruth Lucas said the event is instrumental in supporting local seniors. Lucas said that each year the event showcases different types of local talent. “Last year, the winner of Crossville’s Got Talent was a self-taught juggler and believe you me, he will be on TV one day”” Lucas said.
Cookeville Native Photographed 2024 Olympics
Photographer Emily Armstrong back from the Paris Olympics with memories of an amazing atmosphere. A Cookeville native and Tennessee Tech alum, Armstrong said she was selected to photograph the international archery event in February. Armstrong said the Olympic spirit throughout Paris was her favorite part of the experience. “Just being at the Olympics, soaking in the atmosphere of it, I feel like it was done in such a historic city like Paris,” Armstrong said.
Garrett: Extra Care Needed In Work Zones
A rash of T-DOT workers injured recently while on the job and Sheriff John Garrett said distracted driving could be the biggest reason why. T-DOT reports nearly instances of workers or equipment getting hit in 2024, with several in recent weeks. Garrett said distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things we face on the road today.
Local Expert Releases Book On Mass Violence
Local public safety and emergency management expert Mark Warnick has released a book on ways to stop acts of mass violence, Warnick released “Preventing Mass Violence: A Whole Community Approach” after seeing history repeat itself too many times. Warnick said mass violence dates back to the 1760s, but the acts have increased in recent years.
Remember Those Lost To Overdose At Vigil
A Glow Vigil Walk will be held to remember those lost to or struggling with substance overdose Saturday at Greenbrook Park. According to Tennessee Department of Health, there were 3,826 overdose deaths in the state last year. Dekalb Prevention Coalition is holding a candlelight service and testimony at the park to bring awareness to the widespread struggle with addiction and remember those who fell victim to it.
Support Grief Group Through Art Auction
Heart of the Cumberland giving you the chance to purchase artistic works to support the non-profit’s work. The Christian non-profit provides peer-support groups for all ages of people going through grief. Development Director Dianne Callahan said it also supports a new Putnam County Schools group that encourages students to talk about their pain.
Crossville Police Working To Limit Drunk Driving
Crossville Police Department will participate in the “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” campaign to minimize drunk-driving accidents over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. National statistics show in 2022, 39 percent of the crash fatalities that occurred during the Labor Day holiday involved a drunk driver. Crossville’s Captain Brian Eckelson says the city will have additional patrols out targeting drunk drivers over the week.
Tech Updates Center For New Teachers
Tennessee Tech’s Jeffers Learning Resource Center will offer expanded technology this fall to train teachers. The center provides access to materials, resources, and current technologies for pre-service educators. The center recently expanded its Virtual Reality Lab and Creative Studio. Development Director Genny Patterson said the idea of the lab is to better prepare future teachers.
Cookeville Adding Long-Needed Generator
A long-term need for Cookeville’s Water and Sewer Department could be fulfilled by next summer. City Council approved a $1.1 million bid for a standby generator at the city water plant. Director of Water Quality Control Barry Turner said the project could be finished almost a year early.
Traffic, Sewage, Teens Among Park Discussions
Cookeville residents voiced opinions on a proposed new park south of Interstate 40, with the biggest concerns being sewage problems in the area and traffic. Leisure Services wants to build out 16.6 acres on Old Sparta Road off Highway 111. Resident Jim Sanderson said he has witnessed sewer problems where the park will be built. “There are some issues with that land, it has a lot of water that drains off it into the back of my house,” Sanderson said.
Warren Interviews For Shelter Jobs
Warren County Executive Terry Bell completed interviews Thursday for three full-time positions and a possible part-time position at Warren County Animal Control. The county fired the director July. Bell said the county is looking for employees who are able to care for the animals, do record keeping, and also stay updated on and follow all of the state laws.
White County Shower Displays Resources
A community baby shower will provide local resources and connections to new and expecting White County moms. The shower will be held at Sparta Civic Center Friday. The White County Health Department’s Ashley Roberts said the shower brings all of the information new moms and expecting moms need to know to one place.
McMinnville Officer Received Statewide Awards
McMinnville Officer Mark Mara received two awards for his service as a Drug Recognition Expert. Mara honored at the Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference. A Drug Recognition Expert is a officer trained to recognize and evaluate impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs. Mara said these awards were a surprise.
Pickett Approves Money For Equipment
Pickett Board of Commissioners approved increasing matched grant money by $7,000 to purchase ambulance equipment Monday. The county purchasing five new heart monitors and five new CPR devices. County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said the board originally applied for the grant for the equipment in 2023. “From the time that the grant was submitted and approved, and then the state actually getting out contracts 7 months later, to not, prices on that equipment have went up,” Bilbrey said.
Aquatic Facility Not Dead, But Cost An Issue
The idea of a Cookeville aquatic facility is not dead but if residents want it, Mayor Laurin Wheaton said the city will have to find a way to pay for it. Cookeville Leisure Services will apply for a grant to develop the 16 acres purchased by the city in 2022 off Old Sparta Road. At the time, the previous council said they hoped the land would be used to build what residents had voiced as their number one want: an aquatics facility, pool and water park.
Fall Lawn Renovation Time Approaching
If lawn renovations are part of your fall agenda, UT Extension Director John Gunter said you can get ready the project now. The Upper Cumberland home to many cool-season grasses, meaning the majority of the growth occurs between 50 and 80 degrees. Gunter said residents looking to get the most growth out of cool-season grasses should seed their lawn mid-September. “We need to have everything in order prior to that time so that we can ensure we’re getting that seed in at the right time,” Gunter said.
Tech Kicks Off Year With 2nd College Town
Saturday’s second College Town Kickoff, representative of the importance of the city and Tennessee Tech growing together, according to Tech President Phil Oldham. The all-day event will showcase the University to the community members and Cookeville to the students. Oldham said finding ways for Putnam County and Tech to embrace and celebrate each other is vital for both.
Cumberland Habitat Takes State Honors
Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity walked away with two state honors, a celebration of the volunteers who make the work possible. The organization honored with the Outstanding Community Partner of the Year Award, for its work with TCAT Upper Cumberland. Pastor Tim Chesson also honored with the Outstanding Leadership Volunteer Award. Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Vanessa Petty said the honors show the community’s commitment.
Dekalb Utility District Using Apprenticeships
Dekalb Utility District using an apprenticeship program that allows employees to become certified while working. General Manager Jon Foutch said it is often hard to earn a living while getting certifications or degrees. Foutch said the program was created so apprentices could earn certifications and level up in the industry and still be able to provide for their families. “It’s a benefit for the employees to continue working,” Foutch said.
Overton Breakfast Celebrates Century Farms
Posted by: Sophia Gray Friday, August 16, 2024 Overton County’s century old farms will be honored Saturday with a breakfast for owners and families. At least 30 state-registered century farms in Overton County. Overton 4-H Extension Agent Alyssa Anderson said the only recognition those century farms get is on some write-ups done several years ago in the Rotary Agriculture Building.
Cookeville Applying For Grant For New Park
Cookeville will apply for a grant to potentially build out a park on Old Sparta Road, off Highway 111. The BlueCross Healthy Places grant could be worth up to $5 million. Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the 16-acres could contain a playground, picnic shelter, trails and potentially a splashpad. Woods said the need for a park in the southern part of town identified in the city’s comprehensive 2030 plan.
New Tornado Relief Funds To Improve Sewer System
Cookeville will allocate new disaster recovery funds towards improving the sewer system in the area affected by the 2020 tornado. Cookeville and Putnam County received $10.8 million from the Federal Government, one of three counties chosen to receive funds through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Fund. City Manager James Mills said the city of Cookeville gets just over $2 million of that money, which they will use to upgrade the Cane Creek sewer pump.
"Biblical Masculinity" Part Of Weekend Event
A Cumberland County Church calling men back to “Biblical Masculinity” through a weekend conference. “Immovable” is the name of the conference hosted by Lantana Road Baptist Church Friday and Saturday. Children Ministry Coordinator Bruce Stanley said the conference will discuss areas like faith, family and fortitude. “Given the situation that we’re in, in our culture, it seems like that there’s a need to just kind of reinforce these virtues with men and how they lead their families,” Stanley said.
Cookeville Mother's Day Out Celebrates 50 Years
First Baptist Church Cookeville Mother’s Day Out program celebrates 50 years of operation this month. The twice-a-week program teaches children the bible while preparing them for kindergarten. Program’s Co-Director Linda Huddleston said that in her 35 years of serving, she has focused on children’s needs.
Monterey Hunting Safety Class Begins
A chance for youngsters to get their Hunter Education Certificate in a weekend class set for Monterey. All hunters in Tennessee, born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess proof that they have successfully completed a Hunter Education course. A Hunter Education Course will be held at Monterey Church of Christ over the next three days. The class will be taught by Tim Singleton, a volunteer instructor for the Tennessee Hunter Education Program.
Cookeville Mothers Milk Drop Opens
Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee opened its 20th milk drop depot location at Cookeville Regional’s Birthing Center Wednesday. The non-profit provides safe, pasteurized human donor milk to babies in NICUs statewide. Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee Executive Director Susan Campbell said the main focus is assisting premature babies. She said some hospitals also use it as a bridge for mothers who are sick and cannot produce.
Algood's Dale Armour Last Day On Force
Dale Armour gave his final report to the Algood City Council Tuesday night and handed over his badge to new Chief Tim Terry. Armour submitted his resignation in July to take the position as Nolensville Police Chief. He will begin this role on Monday. Armour said the decision was strictly personal as it allows him to move closer to family.
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