Niner Nation Week is back at UNC Charlotte starting Monday, Oct. 17! Part of Niner Nation Week is Homecoming, which features some key events for Charlotte students to take part in leading up to the Homecoming football game against FIU at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.
The football game will also feature the reveal of this year's Golden Niner, an individual who exemplifies the values and spirit of Niner Nation. The nine Golden Niner nominees make up the Niner 9, formerly Homecoming Court.
Voting for this year's Golden Niner will be open from Oct. 13-19 at vote.charlotte.edu.
Here is this year's Niner 9:
- Page Freeman is a senior political science and history major. She is president of the Native American Student Association and vice president of the Charlottean’s All-Women Choir.
“To be a Niner means being resilient in the face of adversity and persevering no matter what obstacles are placed in front of you.”
- Kaitlin Klotz is a biology Ph.D. student. She is a graduate admissions ambassador, and is involved with the Biology Graduate Organization, Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.
“Being a Niner means being part of an inclusive community that strives for excellence in academics, professionalism, and above all, in service to others.”
- Ra’Quan Leary is a junior middle grade education major. He is a resident advisor and is involved with the Resident Student Association, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Student Activities Fee Commission and the NC Association of Educators.
“When you are a Niner you are not only choosing excellence but striving for greatness; being cognitive of how your actions affect the community around you and always lending a helping hand when you can.”
- Brenna Murray is a senior exercise science major. She plays on the Charlotte Women’s Soccer team, serves as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and on the Athletics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
“Being a Niner means showing up as the best version of yourself everyday, loving the people around you and having gratitude for everything.”
- Sam Nelon is a senior communication studies and mass media major. She is a niner guide and orientation counselor and is involved with Delta Sigma Phi.
“To me, being a Niner is to advocate for all students and maintain the integrity our university expects of us.”
- Maggie Pearce is a resident advisor, an auxiliary services ambassador, a Belk College of Business student mentor, a star mentor for the Leadership fellows and serves as vice president of internal affairs for the Student Ambassadors and vice president of I Want to Go to College.
“In my eyes, being a Niner means championing the Charlotte name on and off campus through words, action, and example.”
- Christian Rios is a senior political science and history major. He is a niner guide, serves as chief of staff for the Student Government Association and is involved with the Mock Trial Competition team.
“Overall being a Niner means being proud of who you are, what you've done, and being hopeful for the future.”
- Alexa Schoubert is a senior communication studies major. She is a project manager for University Recreation, is involved with Alpha Chi Omega and serves as vice president of the Panhellenic Association.
“I believe that being a Niner is giving back to the community and repaying UNC Charlotte for the dedication and efforts instilled in us since the first day of freshman year.”
- Madison Wilson is a senior communications major. She is involved with Prism and is a Panhellenic delegate for Alpha Chi Omega.
“Being a Niner means home. I never thought I would find a home outside of Greensboro, North Carolina but as soon as I came to Charlotte, everything changed.”
More information on the Niner 9 can be found on the Homecoming website.
Here are some other key Homecoming events to look out for during Niner Nation Week:
CAB Concert & Pep Rally
Date: Wednesday Oct. 19
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Halton Arena
Join CAB as it officially kicks off Homecoming weekend with special guest artist Lucky Daye! Enjoy the sound of music and the roar of students for a great opener to an amazing Homecoming weekend. Tickets are available now.
Homecoming Friday Fest Block Party
Date: Friday, Oct. 21
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: CHHS/COED Plaza
Enjoy food trucks, games, music and fun the night before the big game!
NPHC Stroll Competition
Date: Friday, Oct. 21
Time: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
Location: Popp Martin Student Union 340
NPHC is going to show who really runs the yard! Come out for a great time and show that is an annual cornerstone of Homecoming!