Technician: What were your initial thoughts when you first heard Debbie Yow was N.C. State’s new athletic director?

Avent: I was on a recruiting trip at the time so I didn’t have many thoughts initially. I didn’t follow the hiring process too closely, but I thought the University did a great job of keeping it quiet. After I heard the news of her hire, I was immediately looking forward to meeting her.

Technician: Describe your first interaction with her and how you felt after meeting her.

Avent: My first interaction with her came during her press conference at Vaughn Towers. I thought she gave an unbelievable press conference. It was not scripted. There were some tough questions out there but she did a great job of answering each one. She showed who she really was and how passionate she is about her role at N.C. State. I wanted to see someone with the type of passion, work ethic and pride necessary to get N.C. State athletics back to where it once was. I have no doubts she can achieve that.

Technician: What type of changes do you foresee her making to the baseball program?

Avent: I honestly don’t expect many changes. The N.C. State baseball program has a rich history and has always been synonymous with pride. However, if you stand still in any sport, or even stand still in life, you are obviously going backwards. You cannot remain stationary in anything and expect to get ahead. We will continually try to grow the program in every facet and every way possible. One of my dreams has always been to have our guys play in front of a packed house every night. I’m sure Debbie Yow shares those same visions. She is committed to assessing our program and finding ways to not only improve athletically, but academically as well.

Technician: What does she bring to the table in terms of her beliefs toward improving Wolfpack athletics?

Avent: She’s a worker. She believes that you have to care about your athletes, care about the programs and sincerely believe that you can put a winner out on that field. During the last few years, at times, that has not necessarily been the case here at N.C. State. She brings a new sense of energy and a new sense of accountability.

Technician: Overall, how do you feel about Yow and the decision to make her State’s athletic director?

Avent: I think it was a great decision. Chancellor Randy Woodson said that one of the things he was looking for was a proven winner and she has obviously done that during her tenure at Maryland. I believe she will lead this university in the right direction for the next several years and I’m looking forward to working with her. You could not have found a more experienced athletic director with the type of passion and trustworthiness that Debbie Yow has.