University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Announces First Bank as Presenting Partner of Women's Athletics
09.07.2023 | Cross Country, General, Track and Field, Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Athletics News, Cheer & Dance
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Athletic department announced a groundbreaking partnership Thursday that will make First Bank the Presenting Partner of UNC Asheville Women's Athletics. First Bank has been a foundational partner with Bulldog Athletics for many years and the expanded relationship will focus on increasing community engagement and student-athlete development.
"I want to thank Rusty Edwards and the entire First Bank team for further enhancing their relationship with Bulldog Athletics and women's sports in particular," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "First Bank has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to championing women's athletics, and this partnership further cements their leadership in this crucial area."
First Bank, which will continue to be the title sponsor for the Our Turn to Play and Bulldog SportsFest events, will foster and grow support for women's athletics at UNC Asheville. Through this partnership, First Bank will also aid in spotlighting the success of women's sports at the university through in-depth social media content and in-venue activation. In addition, First Bank will be purchasing the tickets for all home women's volleyball matches, making those free admission for the general public.
Rusty Edwards, Asheville Region Executive for First Bank added, "First Bank loves supporting our hometown team. These athletes bring so much to our community, including great entertainment, inspiration and joy. These ladies are the future of our community and we are excited to have a part in seeing them flourish. Go Bulldogs!"
Another key facet of the partnership will be financial literacy programming. Bulldog student-athletes will learn firsthand from First Bank employees and ambassadors how to make smart use of their money and set them up for financial success in the future. Areas of discussion will include saving, investing, budgeting, credit/student loan management, and goal setting.
About First Bank
First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $12.4 billion. As a state-chartered community bank, First Bank operates 118 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
About UNC Asheville
UNC Asheville is North Carolina's designated public liberal arts and sciences university and one of the 17 excellent, diverse, and accessible institutions of the UNC System. UNC Asheville's relationship-driven education prepares students for lives of leadership and service with an emphasis on critical thinking, clear and thoughtful expression, applied research, community engagement, free and open inquiry, and undergraduate and graduate programs that address the most pressing issues of our time. Through small class sizes, close collaboration, and high-impact experiences, we are preparing the next generation of leaders and productive citizens to serve North Carolina and the nation.
Bulldog Athletics is home to 16 NCAA Division I Sports teams. With more than 30 Big South Conference Championships since moving to Division I. Asheville student-athletes have earned recognition as All-Americans and excel in the classroom and community, regularly earning academic distinctions, and engaging in thousands of combined hours of service.
Learn more about UNC Asheville at www.unca.edu and at www.uncabulldogs.com.