NC State football hosts another ‘unforgettable’ Victory Day celebration
No one forgets their first Victory Day, the smiles or the connections they make.
N.C. State hosted its annual event for the seventh time, partnering once again with Gigi’s Playhouse, giving individuals with disabilities a chance to play football. Players and coaches partner with participants, known as campers, to wear jerseys, perform drills and tour the facilities.
Dana Ramsey, executive director of Gigi’s Playhouse, started in May. She’d never experienced Victory Day, but only heard good things; it’s the most-anticipated event of the year. It met her expectations — and then some.
“I heard it was magical,” Ramsey said. “I heard, ‘Wait till you see the faces of our participants. I heard, ‘It’s unforgettable.’ I heard that this is something that we want everyone to come and [experience]; even just get in the stands and hear about.
“All of that is true.”
The organization brought 55 campers — many were children, though there were adult participants, as well — to Carter-Finley Stadium. For two hours, they experienced sports firsthand. Ramsey said several campers were nervous and she wasn’t sure if they’d even make it to the field. Every participant not only made it, several of the more timid campers ended the night laughing and running around.
Somebody is always reaching a milestone, Ramsey said, and there were a handful who reached them with the Wolfpack. And, those milestones were celebrated — whether the players knew it or not.
One player told Ramsey he has been partnered with the same camper for multiple years, even attending a birthday party.
Freshman offensive lineman Spike Sowells also participated in his first Victory Day. He walked with one camper during the walkout, filming the experience with a GoPro camera, and assisted during the various drills.
“They look up to us, and I feel it’s our duty to show these kids this is just a special day for them, just for them,” Sowells said. “To have them do all the drills that we do, day in and day out, all of them getting to score a touchdown, getting to see the facilities, it’s very heartwarming.”
Despite the event happening every year, it never gets old for those who have participated multiple times. Punter Caden Noonkester participated in his fifth Victory Day and helped run throwing drills.
Noonkester said it’s always nice to see returning campers or hear from parents and guardians about how Victory Day was a positive experience.
“It’s awesome to see some of the familiar faces that are coming back.,” Noonkester said. “That always brings a smile to my face, seeing somebody from last year or the year before. … And seeing people excited to be in the Murphy Center and excited to hang out with us is always a blessing.”
The event isn’t designed for the players, but the Wolfpack gets a lot out of it, too. It’s a chance to reflect and take a mental break. They’ve had 16 days of, ‘It’s on,’ head coach Dave Doeren said, but Victory Day allows them to bask in the campers’ joy and passion.
“I told them in the team meeting, you’re going to see some of the happiest people you’ve ever met here tonight,” Doeren said. ”Just enjoy it.”
‘One of my favorite things that we do’
Doeren is a staunch advocate for neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and Victory Day was born out of a desire to support them.
The longtime coach regularly speaks of his son, Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism as a child. Doctors did not believe Jacob would live independently or achieve meaningful employment. He’s a graduate student at Appalachian State and interned with the Toyota Racing Department this summer.
“It’s a way for us to give back to the community, and a community that’s really special to me and Sara,” Doeren said, noting 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.”
Noonkester and Sowells both appreciate being part of a program that values inclusivity. Doeren isn’t a coach who simply says he cares about the community. He takes actionable steps to support it.
Aside from Victory Day, Gigi’s Playhouse participants often attend N.C. State’s Friday practices, where they say hello and hand out snacks. Many recognize their Victory Day buddies.
The program serves 321 Coffee for its weekly coaches meeting. The business was developed to provide employment to people with disabilities.
And, the Doerens pledged funding for One Pack Empowered, a program to help students like their son.
“Coach Doeren is a family man. There’s time for football and stuff, but days like this, he carves it out just to have a special day,” Sowells said. “We had practice this morning, and after that, he gave us some time off. Then, he scheduled the day just for these kids to come out. 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, and that’s why I picked to come here: His character and how I think he could make me a better man.”
This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
