Student-athletes with Iredell County ties are among those left pondering their next steps after Limestone University announced Tuesday that it would close at the end of the semester.
Attempts to keep the financially-struggling, 179-year-old institution in Gaffney, South Carolina, open were unsuccessful.
“I’m honestly still in shock that this is even happening,” said Limestone freshman baseball player Tyler Hughesman, a South Iredell graduate who starred for the Vikings baseball team. “It’s really hit me hard, thinking about the friends I’ve made here and the possibility that I might not see some of them again.
Tyler Hughesman
“It’s scary not knowing what’s next and facing the reality of having to start over,” Hughesman said. “And what gets me the most is that it’s not just me. Every athlete here is going through this. It’s just heartbreaking, and I feel awful for everyone who’s being affected.”
People are also reading…
- New Statesville arcade bar brings nostalgia, drinks, games to downtown
- Statesville musician studied the blues with greats. His life on a farm inspired his latest album
- Police chief in Catawba County indicted on charge of destroying evidence, placed on paid leave
- Everything you need to know about Iredell County high school graduations this week
Limestone announced plans to close following a board of trustees meeting Tuesday night.
The university sent an email to students that the Board of Trustees decided to close the school’s doors. The email also said that the university will not be offering online classes.
The move comes after the university met with students and staff two weeks ago, stating the school was facing severe financial uncertainty and needed $6 million in immediate support.
Chair of Limestone’s Board of Trustees Randall Richardson said despite more than $2.1 million in donations, the university is unable to secure the money necessary to continue as an institution.
More than 1,700 students will have to find a new school, including a lot of athletes.
Limestone freshman and South Iredell graduate Tyler Hughesman looks on from third base.
“I am honestly taking it one day at a time,” Hughesman said when asked about his plan of action going forward. “Like everyone else, I am trying to get my information out there and am open to exploring all my options. I am in the (transfer) portal and will be continuing my baseball and educational career somewhere.”
Current Limestone students reportedly will receive assistance with transferring to other colleges and universities.
That doesn’t help Mooresville High School senior softball player Cadence Lane, who signed her National Letter of Intent with Limestone in March. She is hitting better than .400 for the playoff-bound Blue Devils (15-9) and eclipsed 100 career hits earlier this season.
Mooresville senior softball player and third baseman Cadence Lane looks on from third base during a game last season when she was a junior.
A saddened and emotionally-hurt Lane, who helped Rowan County win the 2019 Little League Softball World Series, was at a loss for words Tuesday regarding the closure.
In anticipation of this move by Limestone, the third baseman began to shop her services on social media.
Mooresville third baseman Cadence Lane fields a ball during last Friday’s game against Lake Norman.
“TO ALL COACHES OUT THERE!” Lane wrote April 17 on X (formerly Twitter), noting she is part of the 2025 high school graduating class. “My recruitment is now open again due to the unfortunate situation at Limestone University. I am currently looking for a new home to add my skills to your team and continue my education. Please reach out to me!”
Hughesman hit safely in the last four games he’s played for the Saints baseball team. He is batting .297 with 11 RBIs in his first season.
Limestone (25-24) swept Saturday’s baseball doubleheader with UVA-Wise to clinch a spot in the South Atlantic Conference tournament for the first time in over 10 years. Hughesman hit an RBI single in the first game, a 6-2 Saints victory.
The SAC tournament is set to begin Friday.
“It is extremely difficult to think that when we end this season we aren’t coming back,” said Hughesman, an infielder planning to major in business management. “The connections I’ve built, the sense of community, the routine, and the purpose I’ve found through my team and my role at Limestone is something I won’t forget.”
