What is Varsity NC?
Varsity NC is a newsletter and podcast hosted on Substack by longtime North Carolina high school sports reporter Nick Stevens. It’s a source of information and analysis for high school sports news, a platform for high school sports fans to engage in conversation, and a tool that will help expand the reach of high school sports reporting across the state.
Varsity NC aims to support the growth of high school sports in North Carolina. To that end, in addition to our original reporting and storytelling, we will use our platform to share stories and reporting from media outlets across North Carolina. The more attention and support those media outlets can get, the better it is for all of high school sports. We’ll also donate a portion of any revenue generated to the NCHSAA Foundation to help fund grants for high schools in North Carolina.
The Varsity Views podcast from Varsity NC features interviews with high school sports newsmakers, current athletes, and alumni who played high school sports in North Carolina. The podcast offers in-depth analysis and explanations of major news topics within the high school sports community, along with question-and-answer sessions and additional content.
Varsity NC isn’t going to cover high school sports like a traditional media outlet; instead, we will supplement what you’re already getting from others. Don’t expect daily game coverage. However, you can expect in-depth analysis and insights on the significant topics in high school sports in North Carolina.
You can subscribe for free to get content delivered to your inbox. However, paid subscribers will get even more.
Subscriptions are $5/month (the minimum allowed by Substack) or $30/year.
Purchase a subscription to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives. Plus, you’ll get:
Columns & feature stories from Nick Stevens and other contributors
Special coverage and analysis around big news events
Access to notes on VarsityNC.com, where we will post quick updates
Ability to talk with other users and Nick Stevens in the chat room
Comment on stories
Live videos on Substack
Access to the entire archive of content (free stories go behind the paywall after two weeks)
Other special features
We want to support high school sports.
Once our minimal operating expenses are covered, Varsity NC will donate a portion of revenue to the NCHSAA Foundation.
The NCHSAA Foundation is a non-profit that aims to serve and protect high school sports in North Carolina. The foundation provides funding for grants, scholarships, and programs that support student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and officials. The goals of the NCHSAA Foundation align with Varsity NC's belief that high school sports are a vital part of our communities.
By purchasing a subscription to Varsity NC, you will help support high school athletics in North Carolina.
Stay up-to-date.
Never miss an update from Varsity NC — important new posts are sent directly to your email inbox.
You can also get updates from Nick Stevens and Varsity NC in the “Notes” tab on this site.
For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio, video, and community features, get the Substack app.
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Join the community.
Be part of the high school sports community in North Carolina when you purchase a paid subscription.
Paid subscribers can participate in the comments section on new posts and join the chat room to discuss high school sports with other fans and Nick Stevens.
About Nick Stevens.
Nick Stevens is a Raleigh native who has covered high school sports in North Carolina since 2006.
With nearly two decades of experience covering high school sports in this state, Nick has a wealth of knowledge and connections, allowing him to provide a unique perspective on major topics surrounding high school athletics.
In 2008, Nick helped launch HighSchoolOT.com as an employee of Capitol Broadcasting Company. The website grew from covering the immediate Triangle area to the entire state of North Carolina. Nick served as the managing editor of HighSchoolOT until June 2025.
While covering high school sports, Nick has won two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, was named the N.C. High School Athletic Association and N.C. Soccer Coaches Association Media Representative of the Year, and was recognized by the N.C. Athletic Directors Association with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Nick now works for National Amateur Sports, where he focuses on content and distribution strategy for partner schools in multiple states, including several in North Carolina. NAS aims to help schools monetize their athletic programs, thereby keeping them financially sustainable.
Contact us.
We want to hear from you! If you have an idea for a story, a podcast episode, an interview, or any other questions, comments, or concerns, email Nick Stevens at NickStevensHSsports@gmail.com.
