The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545830
JULY/AUGUST 2026 ■ 21 A large contingent of NC State supporters attended the Red Wolf Society's recent golf retreat, which took place at the Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Va. PHOPTO COURTESY WOLFPACK CLUB you quit," Poindexter said. "But seeing the coaches and these people that I've known but didn't really know until now has made me want to continue." Poindexter's involvement with the athletics department will keep rolling. His ability to connect with the various coaches who make the trip to the re- treat, from women's basketball coach Wes Moore to Doeren and everyone in between, has been extremely helpful in the changing landscape of college ath- letics. "You get to see them as human beings instead of people that are making deci- sions for 18- to 21-year-olds and trying to win in a sport," Poindexter said. "So many people take it as negative things, but when you get to know these people, you realize they're out there doing abso- lutely the best and have the best at heart for the kids and the university." That thought process seems to be a key reason why so many people continue to return to the retreat each year. The event helps attendees forge relation- ships with NC State's staff members and keeps those involved looking forward to each new event on the golf course. It's especially true for Powers, who was able to have a memorable moment with Doeren in a competitive environ- ment, while also getting to know him and the rest of the Wolfpack personnel in attendance on a deeper level. "To me, sports is more than just wins and losses, and this really highlights that. I'm getting to know the athletics department staff and all of the coaches. They're really in it for more than just wins and losses, but to develop players," Powers said. "You get to see them and their personalities. They're great people. They're in it to help build character in their players, and you can see that is a really big thing for them." ■ Dave Doeren of the football team, shown here speaking to attendees, was one of the NC State coaches on hand for the golf retreat. PHOTO COURTESY WOLFPACK CLUB " I've made a lot of new friends. They've been faces that I've recognized for years, but now I'm getting to spend time and putting faces with names while sitting around and talking and having a blast." E. John Poindexter on the Red Wolf Society's annual golf retreat