New chapter at North Greenville: Will Lowrey’s vision for athletics
Photo Courtesy of Will Lowrey
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
Will Lowrey, North Greenville University’s new athletic director, has arrived to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the athletic department. In less than three months, Lowrey has begun to make his mark by aligning the athletic program with the broader mission of the university.
“Being a Christian institution does not mean being less competitive. We can maintain the highest standards of athletic excellence while staying true to our principles,” Lowrey said.
This vision is deeply rooted in the university’s Christian values, which go beyond winning games. It embraces the personal development of athletes as students rather than as players in their respective sports. It emphasizes character, ethics and faith.
“Success is not just about winning championships but how those victories are achieved. At NGU, we want our athletes to demonstrate integrity, maturity and sportsmanship in every competition,” Lowrey said, reaffirming the school’s mission above all else.
Lowrey’s path to the athletic director position is deeply personal and marked by the resilience and determination that define him as a person. Lowrey faced significant challenges, including the illness and eventual death of his wife.
This experience not only shaped Lowrey’s outlook on life philosophy but also played an important role in his acceptance of the position at NGU. For Lowrey, this new phase is not only a professional opportunity but a calling that is intertwined with his faith in God.
The foundation of Lowrey’s philosophy is to maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship while upholding Christian principles. He understands that this is a challenge, as maintaining the balance is no easy task.
One of the most visible changes that happened around Lowrey’s hiring is the introduction of a new mascot, the Trailblazer, which signifies a new identity for the school. It represents a blend of the university’s history and the local heritage of the Tigerville mountains.
Dustin Fuls is the associate athletic director for internal operations at North Greenville. He is Lowrey’s right-hand man, who is also looking forward to this new phase at the school.
Fuls said, “The transition from working with Jan McDonald to collaborating with Will Lowrey has been exciting. Will brings a fresh perspective and new ideas that are really revitalizing our department.”
With more than 10 years of experience in his position, Fuls stressed the importance of this new era where the Trailblazer mascot is more than just a mascot — but a new identity.
“The introduction of the new mascot, the Trailblazers, is a symbol of renewal for us. It represents not only our history but also a new beginning for our sports programs,” Fuls said.
Looking ahead, Lowrey has set ambitious goals for the future for athletes to succeed on and off the court. Lowrey is committed to providing the necessary resources with Athletic Solutions, a company that is willing to help athletes promote their own personal brand.
The NGU campus was buzzing with anticipation for the inaugural football game September 5. Lowrey sent a clear message to not only come out and support the football program, but to support all other programs this year.
