GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – A former college basketball star is running to be the next sheriff of Gaston County.
Robbie Waldrop, who played at Winthrop University and Lees-McRae College, announced his candidacy on April 7, and said Gaston County families need “fresh ideas and new leadership” in the sheriff’s office.
“My promise is to always put the needs of Gaston County first,” Waldrop said in a news release. “I’ve managed multi-million dollar budgets before, and I’ll make sure that our tax dollars are spent responsibly. When it comes to collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, we’ll strengthen our relationships to always work hand in hand. As for the morale of our deputies, they will always feel appreciated.”
The lifelong Gastonia resident has spent the past 21 years in law enforcement, where he has served as a K-9 handler and master trainer, SWAT team leader, special investigations supervisor, and patrol captain. He currently leads the county’s 911 operations center.
Waldrop is a Republican, as is current Gaston County Sheriff Chad Hawkins. Hawkins was first elected in 2022 and in recent weeks shared posts on Facebook and has a website indicating another run for sheriff in 2026. Assuming neither drop out, the two Republicans would be pitted against one another.
Like Waldrop, Hawkins also has a long background in public safety, having served as an officer in Gastonia and Lowell, and as chief of police in Belmont and Cherryville prior to his current job as sheriff.
Hawkins’ platform can be found here, while Waldrop’s plan is here.
Waldrop starred for Winthrop, Lees-McRae
Prior to his career in law enforcement, Waldrop was a star on the basketball court. After going to South Point High School in Belmont and Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, he started his collegiate career at Winthrop.
Waldrop played his first three years at Winthrop, where he helped the Eagles make their first two NCAA tournaments in 1999 and 2000. He was one of the team’s leading scorers both years and led the team in 3-pointers made.
He transferred to Lees-McRae for his senior year, and made more threes than anyone else in Division II. His 24.5 points per game ranked third-best in the country.
Nearly 25 years after he left Winthrop, Waldrop was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
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