Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) was hit particularly hard, with historic flooding from the Swannanoa River inundating athletic fields and the first floors of all buildings on campus. Thankfully, all staff and students were confirmed safe, and classes resumed three weeks later thanks to the generosity of Biltmore Church, which provided temporary classroom space.

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However, the impact on the school’s athletic facilities has been profound. Many resources and equipment essential to supporting student-athletes were lost in the flood, and restoring ACA will require extensive time and financial support.

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Heidi Pieper, ACA’s Head Athletic Trainer, has been tirelessly providing care to student-athletes under extraordinary circumstances. Without a permanent athletic training facility, she has been working out of her car, traveling to usable athletic fields while facing a significant loss of equipment and supplies.  Finally, on January 7th, Heidi was able to move back into her rebuilt athletic training facility.  The school held its first basketball practices on their new court on January 20th, and hosted their first true home game of the year the following day, on January 21st.  Their outdoor athletic fields will not be playable until Fall of 2025, so Heidi will continue to travel off campus to provide athletic training coverage this Spring. 

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Heidi is seeking support to rebuild her program and secure resources, including an AED, through grants like NCATA’s OATH program.

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To assist Heidi in her efforts, we encourage NCATA members to contribute in one of two ways:

1. Purchase New Supplies: Heidi has created an Amazon Wishlist with items that insurance has not covered. Your purchase of these items would make an immediate difference.

2. Donate Used Supplies: If you have gently used athletic training supplies or equipment similar to those on the wishlist, your donations would also be greatly appreciated.  Email ncataoath@gmail.com to coordinate pickup/dropoff. 

 

Additionally, monetary donations to aid ACA's recovery can be made to the NCATA OATH Program to assist in the purchase of needed supplies. 

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The resilience of ACA’s community, led by Heidi and her colleagues, is truly inspiring. Let’s come together to support her efforts and help restore the resources needed to care for ACA’s student-athletes.

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Thank you for your consideration and generosity.