UNC Asheville Announces 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Athletics has announced the induction of Nick McDevitt and Sarah Gentry into the 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame. The pair will be honored during a formal induction ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, as part of the University's Homecoming celebration.

Nick McDevitt (Men's Basketball | 1997–2018)

Nick McDevitt devoted more than two decades to the UNC Asheville men's basketball program, serving the Bulldogs with distinction as a student-athlete, assistant coach, associate head coach, and head coach from 1997 to 2018.

McDevitt was a four-year letterman for the Bulldogs and was a member of Asheville's 1998 Big South regular-season championship team during his freshman campaign. He emerged as a key contributor during his senior season, helping guide the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in the conference standings.

Following his graduation in 2001, McDevitt immediately joined the coaching staff under legendary head coach Eddie Biedenbach. Over 12 seasons as an assistant coach, including his final two as associate head coach, McDevitt helped lead Asheville to three Big South Tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs recorded Opening Round victories in the NCAA Tournament in both 2003 and 2011, captured three Big South regular-season titles, and advanced to the 2008 National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

McDevitt succeeded Biedenbach as head coach in 2013 and continued the program's tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs won the 2016 Big South Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced eventual national champion Villanova. Asheville also secured Big South regular-season titles in 2017 and 2018, earning postseason appearances both years.

McDevitt was named Big South Coach of the Year in 2017, and during his final three seasons at the helm, the Bulldogs won at least 21 games each year and advanced to postseason play annually. Asheville compiled a 66–35 record during that stretch. McDevitt departed UNC Asheville in April 2018 to become the head coach at Middle Tennessee State.

"Nick McDevitt represents everything we strive for at UNC Asheville — loyalty, leadership, and a commitment to excellence," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "His impact on our men's basketball program spans generations, and his legacy is deeply woven into the success and identity of Bulldog Basketball."

Sarah Gentry (Track & Field | 2009–2013)

Sarah Gentry enjoyed one of the most accomplished track and field careers in UNC Asheville history. A six-time Big South Conference champion, Gentry excelled in middle-distance events throughout her Bulldog tenure.

She captured Big South titles in the 800 meters twice during the indoor season and twice during the outdoor season. Gentry was also a member of two championship relay teams, winning conference titles as part of the outdoor 1500-meter relay and the indoor distance medley relay (800-meter leg).

Gentry concluded her career with four school records, two of which still stand more than a decade after her graduation — the indoor and outdoor 800-meter records. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named the 2013 UNC Asheville Female Athlete of the Year. Sarah excelled in the classroom, graduating Cum Laude with Honors and DIstinction in International Studies.

"Sarah is one of the most decorated and impactful student-athletes our track and field program has ever seen," said Cone. "Her competitive drive, consistency, and record-setting performances set a standard that continues to inspire our current and future student-athletes. Her success went beyond the podium, as she represented UNC Asheville with class, determination, and excellence, and her lasting records speak to just how special her career truly was."

Since graduating from UNC Asheville, Sarah earned her M.B.A. degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and presently works for Microsoft as a Process Program Manager.

The 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, during Homecoming weekend in the Blue Ridge Room in the Highsmith Student Union.

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics