Avery Locklear scores a goal for UNC Pembroke.

My decision to go to UNC Pembroke for college was largely because I was rewarded a full scholarship to continue my basketball career. Basketball is a huge part of my life, but I also wanted a traditional college experience. Looking at the various organizations at our university, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of Greek life. My older sister was a Phi Mu at UNC Chapel Hill and she loved every second of it!

When recruitment came around, I knew I wanted to be a Kappa Delta. The women in the sorority were so nice and welcoming that I could not imagine myself anywhere else. When I received my bid from Kappa Delta, I was ecstatic and immediately informed my teammates. They were very excited for me and spoke highly of the Kappa Delta members who made the women’s basketball team “good luck” baskets before games.

Even though I was very happy to be a Kappa Delta, I was concerned that my commitment to basketball would hinder me from gaining the full sorority experience. Luckily, my sisters worked with me and my schedule and allowed me to partake in almost every sorority event. They even adjusted the chapter schedule so that I could hold various council and appointed officer positions.

My chapter always supported my basketball career. With the help of my mom, my sisters made buttons with my roster picture on them to wear on game days. They quickly became known on campus as “Avery buttons.” My “big” even gave me Gatorade after every game. They also made cut-outs of my face for games, brought their friends from other organizations and even invited their family members to watch me play. My coach and other faculty noticed their overwhelming support and always commented on the “Avery Locklear Fan Base” that would come to every game.

Over the past four years, I have always had at least one sister at every game supporting me, and for that I am forever thankful. Now, our chapter is known for welcoming athletes. We currently have four active members (including myself) on sports teams. We support our three sisters who are on the softball team by making signs, cheering for them and showing them love on social media at their games.

I believe some female athletes are reluctant to join a sorority for fear of being unable to participate in the fun events. I can attest to the fact that your chapter will work with you and your schedule. Kappa Delta provided me with support in athletics and every aspect of my life, and I am so grateful.

Avery Locklear
opens in a new windowEpsilon Zeta-University of North Carolina Pembroke

Discover more about the Kappa Delta experience opens in a new windowhere.