Bulldog Spotlight: Gunner Millsap

Gunner Millsap is a redshirt sophomore who transferred from SIU Edwardsville after beginning his collegiate career at Georgia Highlands College. A native of Cartersville, Georgia, Millsap is a member of the baseball team. Learn more about him below as part of our Bulldog Spotlight series.

Q: What is your position, and is this a new role for you or a position you've always played?
A: Left-handed pitcher. I've been pitching since I was nine years old. I couldn't hit water if I fell out of a boat, so playing the field was never really for me.

Q: How did you get started playing baseball?
A: I started playing tee-ball when I was three and continued through coach pitch, travel ball, and school ball. I played a lot of different sports growing up, but baseball was always the one I enjoyed the most and performed best in.

Q: What made UNC Asheville the right place for you?
A: I really liked the direction the program was heading. I felt like Asheville had been counted out in the past and was ready to prove people wrong. That really resonated with me because I feel like I'm that kind of player too.

Q: What's something people should know about you outside of being a student-athlete?
A: I have a 26-pound cat named Rick. He's becoming somewhat of a celebrity around the athletic department.

Q: What's something unique you bring to Asheville from where you're from?
A: Willy's Mexicana Grill is the best fresh-Mex out there, and most people don't know about it since it's only in Georgia. My go-to is the Frito Burrito.

Q: If you had a full weekend off, how would you spend it?
A: I'd either find somewhere to play pickleball or visit a new city I haven't been to before.

Q: What's your favorite baseball memory?
A: Striking out a batter in a playoff game my junior year and hitting the Trevor Bauer sword celebration.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I want to keep playing baseball as long as I can. After that, I'd like to go into financial advising or investment banking.

Q: What has been your favorite class at Asheville and why?
A: Any class with Drake Thomas. His teaching style and allowing us to work at our own pace has been great as a student.

Q: What is your favorite phone app?
A: Snapchat—I use it more for messaging than the actual Messages app.

Q: What is your go-to car ride snack?
A: Two energy drinks and a protein shake.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: Kenny Powers.

Q: What is your favorite reality show?
A: Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Q: What is your comfort show?
A: My Name Is Earl.

Q: Who is your favorite artist?
A: Gunna.

Q: What is your go-to motivational quote?
A: "I don't always perform… but when I do, it's just enough to talk about it all week." — Cam Fritz