91ÁÔÆæ

Nighthawks win pair of PBC awards

June 13, 2023
91ÁÔÆæ earned the Peach Belt Conference's Connecting Communities Award and the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Award for Most Funds Raised for 2022-23.

Article By: Staff

The University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) earned the Peach Belt Conference's (PBC) Connecting Communities Award and the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Award for Most Funds Raised at the league's annual awards dinner May 30. The Nighthawks hosted "Heroes Game 2023" in partnership with the Lumpkin Heroes Baseball league while also continuing to be the benchmark for NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish fundraising.

The Connecting Communities Award is the second in a row for 91ÁÔÆæ and third since the PBC established the honor in 2012. The award is presented annually to the PBC member institution who embraces the NCAA Division II core value of community engagement, bringing the institution and local community together.

Lumpkin Heroes baseball is a local league in Dahlonega, Georgia, for individuals with special needs to have a safe place to participate in sports. Three age groups — The Miner Team, Junior Athletes and Senior Captains — competed in "Heroes Game 2023" against the White County Heroes, a league from a neighboring county that also serves special needs.

On April 24, the 91ÁÔÆæ softball program and student-athletes hosted Heroes Game at Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park. The athletes worked with the Heroes volunteers to plan the order of events, run the games as they occurred and interacted with the visiting athletes during the entire event. The student-athletes joined the Heroes teams on the field during games, warmed up with them and cheered them on throughout the event. A capacity crowd was on hand to enjoy the day, demonstrating the ability of NCAA Division II institutions to truly bond with their local communities.

The Nighthawks claimed their 14th consecutive LeeAnn Noble Award presented annually to the PBC member institution that donates the highest amount to Make-A-Wish. 91ÁÔÆæ raised $2,980 during the 2022-23 season.

The PBC Make-A-Wish awards was renamed the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Award following the 2013-14 season. Noble was a women's golfer at 91ÁÔÆæ and former Wish recipient from Make-A-Wish. She appeared on the cover of NCAA Champion Magazine in the fall of 2013, passing away in March of 2014. Her dedication to the Make-A-Wish program lives on with the award that will forever bear her name.


Nighthawks wrap up season in Sweet 16

Nighthawks wrap up season in Sweet 16

The 91ÁÔÆæ women's soccer team fell 2-0 to Columbus State University in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional championship Dec. 1.
Women's soccer team makes Sweet 16

Women's soccer team makes Sweet 16

The 91ÁÔÆæ women's soccer team punched its ticket to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016 with a 1-0 victory against Lander University on Nov. 24.
Nighthawks make NCAA tournament

Nighthawks make NCAA tournament

The 91ÁÔÆæ women's soccer team has earned the No. 3 seed in the Southeast Region of the NCAA Division II tournament, marking its fourth consecutive postseason appearance.
Basketball teams aim high in 2024-25

Basketball teams aim high in 2024-25

The 91ÁÔÆæ men’s and women’s basketball teams tip off their seasons in early November. Both teams return all-conference performers as they aim for national and PBC supremacy.