Julia Buehler, a native of Wilmington and graduate of Hoggard High School, made her dreams a reality this past fall when she transferred from Appalachian State to return home and play women’s basketball as a walk-on for UNC Wilmington.

“It’s been a really good transition,” said Buehler about the transferring process. “I really like the coaching staff and the environment has been great. It’s really positive and I enjoy coming to practice every day and working really hard.”

Buehler, a former three-sport standout for the Vikings, had an impressive career during her time at Hoggard. She was a four-year letter winner and scored 1,377 points in her basketball career. During her senior year, Buehler averaged 15 points and four assists per game, received the John T. Hoggard Female Athlete of the Year award and was selected as 2015 Mideastern Conference and NCBCA District Player of the Year. She also guided her school to the 4A East Region championship and Mideastern regular season and conference titles.

“She’s a winner,” said UNCW coach Karen Barefoot. “She comes from a winning program right here at Hoggard and she plays so hard and she’s tough and has a great attitude to go with her good IQ. She’s a great leader and brings maturity that helps us understand it’s okay to make mistakes. We want her to be a part of this team.”

Competitive basketball was not initially a part of Buehler’s future. She originally signed a scholarship to play lacrosse at Gardner-Webb University and had every intention of playing lacrosse, but that all changed when her coach resigned.

This led Buehler to apply to other schools. She eventually decided on Appalachian State and told her coach she was interested in walking on. She impressed during the tryout and earned a roster spot.

During her time at Appalachian State, Buehler appeared in nine games off the bench before deciding it was a time for another change. After transferring, she contacted Barefoot and expressed in being a member of the team. Barefoot said she was unable to offer Buehler a scholarship, but brought her on nonetheless.

Buehler accepted the offer and made the team as a walk-on.

“It’s just always been a dream of mine,” said Buehler. “Growing up I always used to come to the women’s games. I’m just so lucky to have this opportunity to be back and put on the uniform and play for UNCW.”

UNCW began their season on Oct. 30 with an 81-37 exhibition win over Greensboro College. During the game, you could see the love and support the city of Wilmington had for Buehler.

“People from the community have reached out to me and are excited to see me here,” she said. “I’m really excited to be back and I really want to give back to the community.”

Barefoot envisioned Buehler being a “great role player” and someone who can “do a lot of the little things” that will help the Seahawks, who begin their regular season on Nov. 12 with a home game against UNC Pembroke.

Staff Writer Tanner Lindsay can be found on Twitter @tannerjlindsay. Any tips or suggestions should be forwarded via email to [email protected]. For video updates from The Seahawk, subscribe to our YouTube channel.