Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Courage is enhancing its in-stadium experience under the guidance of Emily Hunter-Valencia, Director of Live Production. Hunter-Valencia and her team aim to create a dynamic environment that transcends the action on the field.

“Throughout my career, my favorite moments during a show are when you feel that hush of the crowd as something’s going on in the stadium and then it just builds to this uproar. A lot of that comes through when all involved are having fun and can translate that fun to the fans,” Hunter-Valencia stated.

New initiatives for 2025 include updated pre- and post-game traditions, an enhanced Courage Clap with a drum, improved video board graphics, and the introduction of Joe Cristy as the new PA announcer. Cristy brings two decades of experience from High Point University, Wake Forest University, and MLS Next Pro’s Carolina Core.

“My wife was a big influence in taking this opportunity with the Courage. She played college at the Division I level and coaches high-level club soccer now. It’s a situation where I know the women’s game well; we follow the sport as a family. My style fits the women’s game well, but knowing and following a lot of the players in the NWSL will help me excel in this role,” Cristy said.

Hunter-Valencia emphasized adaptability: “Just because you don’t see something at the beginning of the year doesn’t mean that it’s not coming... Our goal is to make it a seamless process for someone to fall in love with this team and this environment.”

Acknowledging past contributions while embracing innovation is central to their strategy. “We’ve had past success... I don’t want that to fall by the wayside... It’s important to me that we remember and acknowledge the past,” she added.

The transition follows Mark Callaway's retirement after over 17 years as PA announcer for both North Carolina FC and Courage. His contributions have been foundational: “We are incredibly grateful to Mark for his work over the years... This whole process has been to emphasize and amplify a lot of that love,” said Hunter-Valencia.

The Courage remains committed to providing an exceptional experience at First Horizon Stadium, both on and off the field.