University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldog Athletics hosts successful "Our Turn to Play" dinner
04.27.2022 | Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C.  – For the first time in three years, the UNC Asheville Athletics Department hosted its annual "Our Turn to Play" dinner on Tuesday night. The event and organization, which celebrates female athletics and raises funds for women's athletics programs at UNC Asheville, was held at the Sherrill Center on the Kimmel Arena floor.
After opening with a cocktail hour, emcee Meridith Elliott Powell kicked things off with words from presenting sponsor First Bank. A few Bulldog student-athletes spoke about what "Our Turn to Play" and the scholarship support meant to them, leading to Debbie Antonelli receiving the Trailblazer Award. Antonelli, who is a familiar face to Asheville fans and basketball fans in general, delivered an inspiring and thankful speech to those in attendance.
Powell kept things moving, presenting the Janice Brumit Rising Star Award to Track & Field's Claudia Prieto. Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone would then thank everyone involved before going "off-script" to surprise and recognize the efforts of our very own Coach Betsy Blose.
"What a special night! It is 'Our Turn to Play' and we certainly did last night," Blose said. "Thank you to all those that sponsored a table, bought a ticket and made a donation. Thank you to our OTTP Committee, our UNC Asheville Athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes for your support and participation. Mike Whan, Debbie Antonelli and Meridith Elliott Powell delivered and we are so thankful for them sharing the night with us. A personal thank you to Janet Cone and all the Bulldog faithful for recognizing me for my 20 Years of service to UNC Asheville. It was a big surprise and so special. I will always be a Bulldog!"
From here, it was time for keynote speaker Mike Whan to take the stage. The former Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Commissioner and current United States Golf Association (USGA) CEO spoke for a bit before Powell and Whan took part in a Q and A session, wrapping up the evening.
In all, the 2022 event, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, has grossed over $110,000 to this point. To learn more about the program or to donate, please visit the Our Turn to Play landing site here.
