LadyKnights

Luke Lovin was Robbinsville's lone All-Conference selection for the 2026 season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Luke Lovin was Robbinsville's lone All-Conference selection for the 2026 season. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

All-Conference baseball, softball teams announced

Robbinsville – With the 2026 baseball and softball seasons now in the rearview mirror, the annual All-Smoky Mountain Conference awards have been announced.
Adorned with the Lady Knights' "Home Run Hat," Robbinsville senior Anna Williams celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of Friday's state-championship series opener. Williams finished the game with six RBIs. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Adorned with the Lady Knights' "Home Run Hat," Robbinsville senior Anna Williams celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of Friday's state-championship series opener. Williams finished the game with six RBIs. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights compete for softball state championship

Durham – The program of the decade has its state championship.It just took the right mixture to create the perfect compound for success.
The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather around the 2026 1A Western Regional championship plaque, minutes after clinching the program's first-ever state-title appearance. Photo courtesy of Sasha Watty/Contributing Photographer

The Robbinsville Lady Knights gather around the 2026 1A Western Regional championship plaque, minutes after clinching the program's first-ever state-title appearance. Photo courtesy of Sasha Watty/Contributing Photographer

No more delaying the inevitable

Summerfield – For years, Robbinsville softball has been the standard-bearer for consistency and excellence across North Carolina.Yet, something was missing: a state championship.
Suri Watty celebrates after reaching second base in Robbinsville's second-round playoff rout of River Mill Academy on May 8. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Suri Watty celebrates after reaching second base in Robbinsville's second-round playoff rout of River Mill Academy on May 8. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

One for the road

Robbinsville – If Tuesday's game is any indication, the Lady Knights are well on their way to a state finals appearance.The dynasty of Robbinsville softball has never reached the 1A championship series, but has mowed down postseason opponents in its current quest for a ring.
The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

The Robbinsville Black Knights made history May 14, winning the program's first-ever team state championship.

Knights win 1st team state championship

Greensboro – Between three individual state champions and a plethora of high placements, the Robbinsville Black Knights mixed together the right formula for 1A immortality.
Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms returned to the circle for the Lady Knights' playoff opener against River Mill Academy. She combined for 20 strikeouts against both the Lady Jaguars and Tuesday's third-round opposition, Falls Lake Academy. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville freshman Ella Nelms returned to the circle for the Lady Knights' playoff opener against River Mill Academy. She combined for 20 strikeouts against both the Lady Jaguars and Tuesday's third-round opposition, Falls Lake Academy. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights back in regional series

Robbinsville – The friendly confines of Judy Nichols Memorial Field played favorably into the Lady Knights' hands during their 2026 postseason openers.After enjoying a first-round bye, Robbinsville (No.
The Robbinsville Black Knights proudly display the 1A Western Regional Championship plaque Friday, after conquering the competition at Montreat College.

The Robbinsville Black Knights proudly display the 1A Western Regional Championship plaque Friday, after conquering the competition at Montreat College.

Black Knights capture regional championship

Black Mountain – Robbinsville's boys track and field are on the cusp of sweeping the championship slate clean.With a resounding 179 team points, the Black Knights cruised to the 1A Western Regional title at Friday's meet, which was held at Montreat College.
Kynadee Spencer winds up to deliver a pitch April 24 against Swain County. Spencer has anchored the Lady Knights' rotation for the last several weeks and picked up her fifth win of the season April 30 against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Kynadee Spencer winds up to deliver a pitch April 24 against Swain County. Spencer has anchored the Lady Knights' rotation for the last several weeks and picked up her fifth win of the season April 30 against Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights clinch No. 1 seed

Robbinsville – It is only fitting that after such a successful season, the Lady Knights have once again been afforded the No. 1 seed in the 1A Western postseason bracket.
Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Nathan Frederick (left) and Colton McCoy were named the respective MVPs of track and field events at April 29's Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Black Knights win 1st divisional title since 2011

Cherokee – The last time Robbinsville's boys track and field program won a conference title, some of the athletes on the roster had yet to be born.
Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights sophomore Daphne Barlow was elated as she sprinted to the dugout after completing the first and second legs of a 6-3 triple play Friday against Swain County. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Queens reign again

Robbinsville – Another year, another divisional championship for the Lady Knights.