Emily McNall Character Scholarship

A champion in the classroom.  A champion in her faith.  A champion in her athletics.  

Emily McNall Iiames '15 was recruited from California to play on the Bulldog women's tennis team. Known for her determination and fighting spirit, she was a pillar on the team, recruiting new players and encouraging her teammates. 

Emily starred for the Bulldogs from 2011-15, helping them earn 43 victories as a team during her time as a student-athlete, regularly lining up at No. 1 or No. 2 singles.

Emily graduated from UNC Asheville in the fall of 2015 with a degree in health and wellness promotion. Five days later, she married AJ Iiames '15, a Bulldogs soccer alumnus. In February 2019, the couple moved from Asheville to Sacramento, where she worked as a personal trainer. After spending a year working at a gym, she decided to become self-employed and start her own personal training venture. Her impact went beyond the physical gains with her clients. As one of her clients said, “I love her so much, same as everyone else who ever had a chance to know her.”  Her charming personality and deep faith resonated with those that had a chance to meet and know her.

After a brave battle with endometrial cancer, Emily passed away surrounded by family and friends on January 7, 2020. 

She is remembered as a compassionate, courageous, perseverant, and kind person, who was eager to help and uplift others.

AJ hopes that the scholarship, and Emily's story, will inspire the next generation of Bulldog tennis players to carry forward Emily's many positive character traits to impact their fellow teammates and the UNC Asheville community for the better. 

During this season of giving back, help us endow Emily's scholarship so that it can support students long into the future. Together, we can celebrate the impact Emily had on her family, friends, and teammates. Make your gift today!