Last Updated on November 18, 2025 3:33 pm
The Watauga County Board of Education and Watauga County Commissioners organized a joint effort to formally recognize several outstanding athletic achievements during their Nov. 17 meeting, celebrating a historic season for Watauga High School athletics.
The special joint meeting brought together both boards to honor players and coaches from five Watauga High School sports teams through formal resolutions recognizing their exceptional achievements.
Women's Cross Country: State Champions
The Watauga High School Women's Cross Country Team earned the highest honor, capturing the 2025 NCHSAA 6A State Championship title. Head Coach Randy McDonough, along with Assistant Coaches Dan McAulay, Matt Anderson, Alayna McLaughlin, Dolly Reaves, Scott Townsend, and Athletic Director Dustin Kerley were recognized for leading the team to its first state championship since 1995. The state title marks Watauga's ninth consecutive conference championship and represents the program's 37th total conference title. Sophomore Cali Townsend was named the Conference Runner of the Year and earned 6A Regional Champion honors.
Men's Cross Country: Regional Champions
The Men's Cross Country Team also achieved remarkable success, earning the title of 2025 NCHSAA 6A West Regional Champions. The team, coached by Randy McDonough and the same coaching staff, finished in sixth place at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 6A State Championship. The team captured their 21st consecutive conference championship and achieved an impressive 37 total conference championships in program history.
Women's Volleyball: State Runner-Up
The Women's Volleyball Team, led by Head Coach Kim Pryor and Assistant Coaches Casey Gragg, Becca Bumgarner, Hannah Masucci, Susan Miller, and Brelyn Sturgill, along with Athletic Director Dustin Kerley, earned NCHSAA 6A State Runner-Up honors. This marked the team's first state championship appearance since 1998. Junior Ashlyn Smith received the NCHSAA Sportsmanship Award, while seniors Emma Pastusic and Lainey Gragg were named to the All-State and All-Region Teams for the 6A classification.
Women's Tennis: Regional Runner-Up
The Women's Tennis Team, coached by Shay Casey and Assistant Coach Donna Nicastro, achieved NCHSAA 6A Regional Runner-Up status after advancing to the state championship match. The team posted an exceptional overall record of 19-1 and captured the conference championship while completing regular-season play undefeated. Senior Larson Berry and sophomore Abby Talton represented Watauga High School in the NCHSAA 6A State Doubles Tournament, earning an impressive second-place finish.
Women's Golf: Regional Runner-Up
The Women's Golf Team, under the direction of Head Coach Tasha Adams and Assistant Coach Dustin Adams, along with Athletic Director Dustin Kerley, earned recognition as NCHSAA 6A West Regional Runner-Up. Senior Chloe Weigl was named the Northwest 6A/7A Conference Player of the Year and placed in the top ten at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 6A Women's Golf State Championship Tournament.
All teams were congratulated for their exceptional achievements and for representing Watauga County with excellence and pride throughout the 2025 season.
