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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. Western Carolina University 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.  

Zapps at WCU athletics banquet

Couple who met at WCU orientation make ‘Fill the Western Sky’ leadership gift to athletics

Back in 2012, Western Carolina University graduates Jonathan Zapp and Brittany Bennefield provided a different interpretation of their alma mater’s status as “an engaged institution” when they had their engagement photographs taken on campus with Paws, the Catamount mascot.  

Drew Marx with his dormclaw

Construction management student invents ‘Dormclaw’

Drew Marx just wanted somewhere to hang his backpack in his room at Western Carolina University when he came up with the idea for the Dormclaw, a compact, hook-like device that fits into the unused slots of standard college bed frames.  

Hank Henderson and son Benny

Alumnus Hank Henderson applies WCU guidance to job, pays it forward

Hank Henderson likens his place of work to where he went to college.   

Kyle Pifer

Kyle Pifer named WCU Director of Athletics

Western Carolina University 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.  

Catamount Club

Catamount Club to launch search for successor to assistant director C.J. Mitchell

The Catamount Club will soon begin searching for a new assistant director of development with the departure of C.J. Mitchell, who had been working with Western Carolina University’s athletics booster organization for the past year.  

New stadium rendering

WCU to hold groundbreaking ceremony June 12 for stadium renovations project

Western Carolina University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, to kick off the first phase of a series of planned upgrades for E.J. Whitmire Stadium and other aging facilities used by Catamount student-athletes.  

WCU student decorates grad cap

Catamount grads reflect on graduation cap decor

For Shondel “Junior” Granison, his graduation cap is more than a square board with fabric stretched across the top. It’s a symbol of accomplishment, but also a canvas for Granison to display some of what’s closest to his heart.  

Trevor and Ty Antonson

From LEGO to launch: Antonson twins look back on their WCU journey

Trevor and Ty Antonson’s childhood was filled with LEGO creations—buildings, starships, train cars and more. The twins shared a bedroom and dedicated the other to their masterpieces.  

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