Montreat College Stands With Student Family Amid Hurricane Helene Crisis

December 13, 2026Tinley ClarkPrograms of study: Exercise ScienceAthletics teams: Softball

Raised in Black Mountain, Tinley Clark never imagined attending Montreat College—just five minutes from home. But after discovering she could keep playing softball, staying became her choice.

Only a month into her studies, Hurricane Helene devastated the region. "We thought it would be a short, fun weekend without practice," Clark recalled, describing how students learned of cancellations just before the storm hit.

"Nobody really expected the extent of what it was going to do," Clark said, noting how campus streams turned into raging rivers.

"Everyone went to bed Thursday night, and it wasn't too bad," she continued. "By morning, the river ran through the gym, bridges collapsed, and Lake Susan overflowed—nearly reaching the police station."

For Clark, the disaster threatened her father's 15-year-old business, Eye for Detail, which sat along the Swannanoa River. "Seeing everything we'd built vanish overnight was surreal," she shared.

Photo Submitted. Eye for Detail is the middle building in the photo.

The flood destroyed irreplaceable items, including family heirlooms from her grandfather, an Army veteran. "It was unexpected," Clark admitted.

Thankfully, her Black Mountain home escaped major damage. Hosting teammates at her place provided comfort during campus closures.

"Having that support system helped immensely," she said. "Many out-of-state students couldn't reach families, making isolation even harder."

Facing financial strain, Clark's family struggled with insurance gaps and FEMA ineligibility. "It feels like a dream every day," she explained. "One moment everything's fine, then suddenly... destruction."

Montreat College quickly reopened on October 24, offering academic flexibility. "Professors kept encouraging us despite my home's internet issues," Clark noted.

Beyond emotional support, the college aided rebuilding efforts through its disaster recovery fund. "Knowing strangers care means everything," she said. "Small help goes a long way toward restoring hope."

Now back on campus, Clark pursues her dream of becoming an elementary PE teacher with renewed purpose. "Life throws curveballs daily," she concluded. "Cherish each day—it might be your last."