University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Alumni Profile: Sarah Gentry
Sarah Gentry made her move from big town Texas to a small town in the North Carolina mountains to start her college career at UNC Asheville.
What might seem like an unlikely move, she found that Asheville had everything she wanted in a school wrapped up in a surprisingly small package.
“I chose UNC Asheville because it had the perfect combination of a small Division I athletic program and excellent academics. And, of course, I fell in love with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown’s eclectic culture,” Gentry said.
Upon her arrival, Gentry experienced the success that she hoped to have from the start.
“One of my most memorable moments as a Bulldog was winning the Women’s DMR (Distance Medley Relay) at the 2013 Big South Indoor Track and Field Championships, demolishing the school record,” commented Gentry.
On top of her relay victory, she enjoyed the majority of her success in individual events.
Gentry was back-to-back Indoor and Outdoor Big South Conference 800 meter champion in 2012 and 2013. She also proved capable outside of her element, capturing the gold the the 1500 meter run in the 2013 Outdoor championships.
These accomplishments and many more unforgettable moments earned her the honor of being the 2013 UNC Asheville Female Athlete of the Year.
While some of her athletic accomplishments may have been pleasant surprises for Gentry, one of her more memorable experiences as a student was certainly not one that the Texan had planned for.
“I helped dread one of my best friend’s hair sophomore year, one of the most quintessential UNC Asheville things possible,” she said.
Between shining on the track, and expanding her hairdressing knowledge, she also managed to devote time to her education.
Gentry graduated Cum Laude with Honors and Distinction in International Studies. Her hard work at Asheville has translated into a successful career after graduation.
“I am currently a Project Manager for Arvato Financial Solutions in Reno, Nevada. This branch provides finance and accounting outsourcing services for Microsoft, collecting over 90 percent of Microsoft’s annual revenue,” she said.
“UNC Asheville prepared me for this position by providing me with a well-rounded education. The liberal arts discipline allowed me to explore areas that I was not necessarily well versed or comfortable in, teaching me to adapt quickly and successfully.”
While a student-athlete like Sarah probably could have found success wherever she looked, everything that Asheville had to offer allowed her to maximize her potential.
For her, the most important thing is not to let your time at Asheville idly pass you by.
“Get involved as much as you can—explore what Asheville has to offer! The non-profit organizations, the cultural richness, the intrinsic beauty of the natural surroundings, the art, and the many opportunities to listen to free music – absorb all of it that you can because a city like Asheville is a rarity.”