No one forgets their first Victory Day—the joy, the smiles, and the bonds formed on the field. For the seventh year, N.C. State hosted its annual celebration in partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse, giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience football firsthand. Players and coaches teamed up with participants, called campers, to don jerseys, run drills, and explore the facilities.
For Dana Ramsey, who became executive director of Gigi’s Playhouse in May, it was her very first Victory Day. She had only heard the glowing reviews beforehand—that it was the highlight of the year, full of magic and unforgettable moments. Experiencing it herself, she found every word to be true.
“I heard it was magical,” Ramsey said. “I heard, ‘Wait until you see the faces of our participants.’ I heard, ‘It’s unforgettable.’ I heard this is something everyone should witness—even if it’s just sitting in the stands. All of that is true.”
The organization brought 55 campers to Carter–Finley Stadium—most of them children, though several adults joined in as well. For two hours, they experienced football up close. Some arrived hesitant, unsure if they’d even make it onto the field. But by the end, every camper did—and many of the shyest were laughing, running, and celebrating.
“Somebody is always reaching a milestone,” said Ramsey, noting that several campers hit theirs alongside the Wolfpack. And those milestones never went unnoticed—whether the players realized it or not.
One player told Ramsey he has been paired with the same camper for multiple years, even attending a birthday party. Freshman offensive lineman Spike Sowells, meanwhile, experienced his very first Victory Day. He walked out with a camper, recording the moment with a GoPro, and later helped with drills.
“They look up to us, and I feel it’s our duty to show these kids this day is just for them,” Sowells said. “Getting to do the same drills we do every day, score a touchdown, see the facilities—it’s very heartwarming.”
For veterans of Victory Day, the magic never fades. Punter Caden Noonkester, now in his fifth year at the event, helped run throwing drills and was quick to recognize returning campers.
“It’s awesome to see familiar faces coming back,” Noonkester said. “That always brings a smile to my face—seeing somebody from last year or the year before. … And hearing parents talk about how much it means to them, that’s always a blessing.”
While Victory Day is designed for the campers, the Wolfpack benefit, too. After more than two weeks of grueling practices, head coach Dave Doeren said the event gave his team a chance to reset.
“I told them in the team meeting, you’re going to see some of the happiest people you’ll ever meet here tonight,” Doeren said. “Just enjoy it.”
‘One of my favorite things that we do’
Head coach Dave Doeren has long been a champion for neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and Victory Day grew out of his desire to support them. His connection is deeply personal. Doeren often speaks of his son, Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism as a child. Doctors once doubted Jacob would live independently or find meaningful work. Today, he’s a graduate student at Appalachian State and recently completed an internship with Toyota Racing Development.
“It’s a way for us to give back to the community—and to a community that’s really special to me and Sara,” Doeren said, referencing his wife. “The players embrace it, and they understand where it comes from. … It’s one of my favorite things that we do in this program. Outside of winning games, this is it. This is the No. 1 thing we do.”
For players like Caden Noonkester and Spike Sowells, being part of a program that values inclusivity carries weight. Doeren isn’t a coach who simply talks about community—he acts on it. Victory Day is just one example. Participants from Gigi’s Playhouse are often invited to N.C. State’s Friday practices, where they greet players and hand out snacks, many recognizing the buddies they met on the big day. The program also serves 321 Coffee, a business created to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, at its weekly coaches’ meetings. And the Doerens themselves pledged funding for One Pack Empowered, a campus program designed to support students like their son.
Sowells said that commitment left an impression on him.
“Coach Doeren is a family man,” Sowells said. “There’s time for football, but days like this, he carves out just for the kids. We had practice this morning, then he gave us time off, and after that, he scheduled the whole day for them. He’s just a great man overall. You can say what you want about him on the football field, but you want to talk about Dave Doeren as a man? He’s the greatest man that I know. That’s why I picked to come here—his character, and how I knew he could make me a better man.”
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