Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
Devondia Ross - Track & Field - (1991-94)
One of the most decorated athletes in Western Carolina history, earning a total of 16 All-SoCon honors and owns the distinction of being the Catamounts' first female Division I All-American. She earned her All-America honor finishing ninth in the long jump at the 1991 NCAA Championships with a leap of 20 feet 5.25 inches, which led to an invitation to the 1992 Olympic trials in New Orleans. Better known as "Von" by most, finished third among collegiate jumpers at the 1991 USA/Mobil National Championship and fourth at the 1991 Olympic Festival in Los Angeles. After a disappointing indoor season in 1991, exploded on the scene by being named 1991 SoCon's Outdoor Most Outstanding Performer, winning the long jump and 100 meters while placing third in the 200 meters and being on the second-place 4x100 meter relay team. In 1992, was the SoCon indoor champion in the long jump and 4x400 meter relay. In 1993, was champion at the SoCon Indoors for the long jump as she set, and still owns, the SoCon Indoor record with a leap of 20 feet 4.25 inches. During the 1993 outdoor season, was the first woman in WCU history to break the 12-second barrier in the 100 meters. Still owns WCU records in the indoor and outdoor long jump, as well as the indoor triple jump. Ross was selected to the Southern Conference 100th Anniversary team in 2021.
