UNCW Establishes Jerry Wainwright Scholarship

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Men's basketball coaching icon Jerry Wainwright, who put UNCW's program on the map in early 2000s, is being recognized with the establishment of the Jerry Wainwright Scholarship for UNCW Men's Basketball.

Danny Dahl, a member of UNCW's first Coastal Athletic Association championship team, spearheaded the creation of an endowment, which he hopes will grow into an out-of-state scholarship in the future.

Wainwright spends his time these days watching games, keeping up with recent trends in the sport and maintaining close contact with his former players and coaches.

"I'm overwhelmed," said Wainwright, who led the Seahawks to their first postseason berth, first NCAA appearance and first NCAA Tournament victory. "It has my name on it, but it's really a scholarship of the program. It's about all of the players that contributed to the program's success.

"Danny has achieved things, both personally and professionally, that are truly special. I could not be prouder of what Danny and all of his teammates have accomplished since their years at UNCW. I'd prefer to think that this endowed scholarship will represent what we all, as a team, have achieved."

Dahl starred for the Seahawks from 1996-2000 and drained one of the biggest baskets in the program's history late in UNCW's 57-47 victory over Richmond on March 6, 2000, that clinched the program's first CAA crown.

"This will give someone else an opportunity, just like Coach Wainwright gave me," said Dahl, who hopes Seahawk basketball alumni and the Wilmington community get behind funding the endowment. "It was such a magical time when we played and that group had a great bond. We were just trying to find a way to give back to UNCW and to honor Coach Wainwright .

"I look back at those four years with such fondness. It was an incredible experience to attend school at UNCW and feel beyond blessed that Coach Wainwright gave me an opportunity.
"From a financial standpoint, I wanted it to be something that would always last and always be there. To be able to give back to the university that did so much for me, is great and it means even more to have an endowed scholarship in Coach Wainwright's name."

Seahawk Club Associate AD for Development Adam Fearing says the endowment represents a lasting legacy of Wainwright's impact at the school.

"When Danny first mentioned the idea, we all loved it," said Fearing. "We have been fortunate to see several endowed scholarships established over the years, and they are always so meaningful. To have one bearing coach's name, providing support in perpetuity is very special.

"We believe it will resonate with many current and past supporters. Making a multiple year pledge to an initiative like this is a tremendous way to help our programs."

The creation of the Wainwright scholarship coincides with the basketball program's 75th anniversary celebration. Those interested in contributing to the endowment may reach out to the UNCW Seahawk Club at 910-962-2731 or seahawkclub@uncw.edu.

"Coach Wainwright's impact on our men's basketball program and community is immeasurable, and this scholarship ensures his legacy will continue for generations," said Michael Oblinger, UNCW's third-year athletic director. "The establishment of this scholarship will provide opportunities for student-athletes who embody the values he championed - toughness, excellence, and a team-first mentality."

Wainwright coached eight seasons at UNCW and compiled a 136-103 record. He piloted the Seahawks to a pair of NCAA and NIT berths, with three regular season conference championships and two 20-win seasons. Wainwright was named CAA Coach-of-the-Year in 1997 and 2001 and in 2023, he was recognized as recipient of the Gene Bartow Award, presented annually by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) to a current or former coach for his contributions to the game.

Click here to contribute to the Jerry Wainwright Scholarship for UNCW Men's Basketball.

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UNCW Establishes Jerry Wainwright Scholarship