Winthrop women’s golf was named on May 1 as one of six collegiate programs chosen to participate in the 2026 Truist Championship Access, Opportunity and Development (AOD) Summit. The event will be held August 23-24, 2026.
The summit aims to provide long-term development opportunities for student-athletes by fostering relationships among athletes, corporate leaders, and community partners. Alongside Winthrop University, the selected programs include UNC Charlotte as honorary host school, Appalachian State University, Gardner-Webb University, North Carolina A&T, and Queens University.
Truist Championship Executive Director Adam Sperling said: “After much anticipation, we are thrilled to unveil the details for the first Access, Opportunity and Development Summit. The event was first a vision founded in collaboration with our title sponsor, Truist, and brought to life with the help of our Community Champions – Atrium Health and HendrickCars.com. The AOD Summit is designed as a platform for long-term development that fosters authentic relationships among student-athletes, corporate leaders, and community partners – a goal brought to life through the combined strength of our title, Community Champions, collegiate programs and host venue Quail Hollow Club.”
The two-day program at Quail Hollow Club includes leadership access through a development summit featuring business panels and keynote speakers. Student-athletes will also participate in mentorship activities during an Am-Am tournament alongside business leaders and First Tee – Greater Charlotte participants before concluding with a 36-hole competition between all six teams.
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said: “Opportunities like the AOD Summit reflect the very best of what college athletics can be: a platform for building the confidence and skills that will serve student-athletes long after graduation… We are grateful to our partners for creating a space where women student-athletes can broaden their perspective…and compete at one of the nation’s premier championship venues.” Daniel Fogarty of First Tee – Greater Charlotte added: “This is what First Tee is all about – creating access…and meaningful relationships for young people in our community.” Kinneil Coltman from Advocate Health said: “We’re proud to come together at Quail Hollow Club to surround these student-athletes with mentors…and real connections — and to extend that impact by supporting First Tee – Greater Charlotte.” Jeff “JB” Brown from Hendrick Automotive Group remarked: “The relationships they build…will stay with them and shape their future beyond the golf course.” Johnny Harris of Quail Hollow Club stated: “When Quail Hollow Club first hosted professional golf in 1969…that belief has continued through the years.” Travis Rhodes from Truist concluded: “At Truist we believe access creates opportunity—and opportunity opens doors for meaningful growth…help create pathways for growth, leadership and lasting impact in Charlotte.”
