Bulldog Women’s Basketball alum Kiana Rainey passes away

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Athletics Department is sad to report that UNC Asheville women's basketball alum Kiana "Kiki" Rainey passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Playing for Coach Betsy Blose, Rainey was a member of the team from 2006-2010. Despite battling injuries, Rainey was a constant presence and great team player for the Bulldogs. Rainey appeared in 39 games from 2007-2009, contributing on the glass and on the scoreboard, including eight points at South Carolina and a nine-rebound effort at Charleston Southern.

A native of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Rainey lived in Greenville (S.C.) and was the Vice President at TLM Da Label, a music production studio.

"First of all, our heartfelt condolences go out to Kiana's family and friends on hearing of her passing. On behalf of UNC Asheville, the Athletic Department and her UNC Asheville teammates and classmates, we send our deepest sympathy. Kiana was a true champion, a loyal teammate and friend. She battled injuries her entire career but her resilience, work ethic and loyalty was contagious. Her smile would light up any room she walked into. Thank you Kiana for blessing us all. We are all better for having known you." - Betsy Blose, former UNC Asheville Head Women's Basketball Coach.

"Where do I start? Kiana was my host on my official visit to UNC Asheville. She did such a great job. I was convinced to come eight hours away from home to get an education and play basketball. Her spirit was always so warm and welcoming. We could talk about everything from basketball, family, God, and what we wanted to do when we graduated. I'm grateful to God that he allowed our paths to cross. The news of her passing has really crushed me, and I'm truly going to miss my friend. Knowing KiK, she's up in heaven with her mom smiling that million-dollar smile and singing because she loved music as much as she did playing basketball. Love you, mean it #35." - Kendall Shepard, teammate and Class of 2011

"No matter if we were doing line drills or just hanging out, Ki always made everyone laugh. She had a smile and personality that lit up a room. She will truly be missed." - Tasha Lewis, teammate and Class of 2008

"Kiana was an incredible friend and teammate. Her infectious smile and positive energy were always a joy to be around on and off the court." - Stacy Shepherd Stewart, teammate and Class of 2008

"Kiana was a very supportive and encouraging teammate and she always brought a smile everywhere she went." - Ana Baker, teammate and Class of 2009

"Kiana was one of the most resilient, determined, driven and hard-working people I have ever met. I had the privilege to be her teammate at UNC Asheville. She will be so greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and her Bulldog family." - Dana Wagner, teammate and Class of 2011

To read more about Kiana, here is a link to her obituary.