Dawkins, Jackson Named ACC UNITE Award Recipients
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As part of the ACC’s 2024 Fall Unity Week from October 11-20, the conference has announced the recipients of the 2024 ACC UNITE Award, which was created to honor individuals affiliated with the league’s member institutions who have made an impact in the areas of racial and social justice. The UNITE Award is an initiative of the ACC’s UNITE Committee (formerly named CORE – Champions of Racial Equity) and was developed and approved by its 18 member institutions.
The UNITE Award is presented annually to individuals who:
- Best exemplify ACC UNITE’s mission to promote and encourage racial equity and social justice through education, partnerships, engagement and advocacy.
- Have helped create meaningful, lasting change by improving systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes.
- Have been a pioneer and/or helped pave the way for minorities either at the institution or in the community.
Each school selects two recipients based on the above criteria and determines how best to celebrate their respective selections at campus events throughout the academic year.
“We are incredibly honored to recognize the fourth annual UNITE Award recipients and are thrilled to celebrate these deserving individuals,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “These amazing representatives from our 18-member schools have made significant impacts throughout their careers and continue to be dedicated to making a positive impact in the crucial areas of racial and social justice, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
2024 UNITE Award Recipients
Boston College: Blake Bolden & Justin Simmons
California: Marshawn Lynch & Charmin Smith
Clemson: Mary Kennerty & Marion Reeves
Duke: Troy Austin & Michelle Staggers
Florida State: Tiffani Brown & Terance Mann
Georgia Tech: Grover Hinsdale & Dr. Shaday Word-Daniels
Louisville: Angel McCoughtry & Judge Derwin L. Webb
Miami: Dr. Marvin P. Dawkins & Shirelle Jackson
North Carolina: Martina Ballen & Brianna Pinto
NC State: Chester Grant & Ronnie Laughlin
Notre Dame: Dorene Dominguez & Art Velasquez Jr.
Pitt: Leah Friedman & Darelle Porter
SMU: Pastor Richie Butler & Charlene Edwards
Stanford: Nya Harrison
Syracuse: Greg Allen & Sydnie Moore
Virginia: Elijah Gaines & Dr. Carla Williams
Virginia Tech: Aaron Rouse & Aisha Sheppard
Wake Forest: Dianne Dailey & Bill Hayes
Miami
Dr. Marvin P. Dawkins (1988-present) was appointed as Miami’s Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) in 2012, and for the past 12 years has been a consistent advocate and mentor for the Miami student-athlete population, while serving as an impactful professor and change agent.
In addition to his role as FAR, Dr. Dawkins is a distinguished sociology professor within the College of Arts and Sciences. He has been a pioneer in his research and teachings, which have paved the way for underrepresented social identities at the institutional level. Dr. Dawkins has a focus in, but not limited to, race-ethnic relations, urban experience, sport, equity, substance use, mobility and attainment and African American Studies. His academic interest and dedication have led to numerous awards, such as the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award (2022). He has an endless list of publications and has served on the editorial board for the Journal of Race and Policy. Dr. Dawkins has spent his career promoting and encouraging racial equity and social justice through education and partnerships. His efforts can be viewed in academic presentations such as: Improving Police-Black Community Relations: A Professional Development Diversity Program (2015) and Diversity and Organizational Productivity: Examining the Role of Race and Gender in U.S. Olympic Team Success at the 2012 London Games (Association of Black Sociologists, 2015).
Dr. Dawkins is a proud graduate of the historic Edward Waters College and earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Florida State University. Dr. Dawkins has provided leadership and a voice for our campus community for over 35 years, as a leader in racial and social justice policies, practices and institutional attitudes. The University of Miami campus community is better because of his work ethic, intellectual capacity and commitment to the universal communities.
Shirelle Jackson (2014-present) initially joined Miami Athletics as the director of student-athlete development, opening the office in March 2014. Jackson is currently the executive associate athletic director of student-athlete development. Her increasing responsibilities and contributions include chapter founder and advisor for Athlete Ally and Black Student-Athlete Alliance organizations, programming coordinator for student-athletes and staff to include Martin Luther King Jr., Day, Heritage Awareness Months and Pride Games.
Through her programming, Jackson collaborates intentionally with UMiami’s LGBTQ Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, as well as community partners to ensure resources and possibilities are established and shared. In addition, Jackson serves on the athletic department leadership team and assists with drafting inclusion and belonging policies, procedures and forms necessary for all programs. Jackson also co-created the athletic department’s Women’s Unite group and host monthly staff engagement “Lunch and Learns” with intentionality on the topics. Jackson constantly checks in with student-athletes and staff to ensure they feel seen and heard. In 2016, Jackson received the Women Leaders Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year Award for her efforts in engaging student-athletes, department staff & campus partners with an inclusive environment.
Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University. The University of Miami community is proud to have Shirelle Jackson’s commitment and inspiration to ensure an inclusive atmosphere for all.
Boston College
Blake Bolden (Women’s Ice Hockey; 2009-13) exemplifies the ACC UNITE Award through her groundbreaking achievements and commitment to diversity in ice hockey. Her journey from a Boston College student-athlete to a professional athlete and an executive embodies BC’s Jesuit ideals of service to others and “Ever to Excel.”
At Boston College, Bolden became the first Black woman to captain the women’s ice hockey team. In her senior year, she earned All-American honors and led BC to a Frozen Four appearance. Her collegiate career included three Frozen Four appearances, setting the stage for her future impact. Professionally, Bolden continued breaking barriers as she became the first African American player drafted in the first round of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (2013) and the first African American player in the National Women’s Hockey League (2015), earning her the moniker “the Jackie Robinson of Women’s Ice Hockey.”
In 2020, Bolden joined the Los Angeles Kings as their Growth and Inclusion Specialist and Pro Scout, becoming the first African American woman to scout in the National Hockey League. She serves on the NHL’s Player Inclusion Coalition, guiding diversity initiatives and working to eradicate racism in hockey. Bolden’s community engagement includes partnering with organizations like 24 Degrees of Color to increase the accessibility of ice sports for youth of color. Through her Blake Bolden Mentorship program, she supports young women in hockey nationwide by focusing on mental skills, goal setting and nutrition.
Bolden’s trailblazing efforts have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for ethnic minorities and women of color in ice hockey. Her work exemplifies the ACC’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community service. She inspires us all by demonstrating how athletic excellence can be utilized as a platform for social change.
Justin Simmons (Football; 2011-15) is currently a safety for the Atlanta Falcons and exemplifies the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award through his exceptional contributions to racial equity and social justice. At Boston College, Simmons was a second-team All-ACC performer and fourth-team All-American. He was also an active campus leader and contributor to the Boston College campus community. His commitment to social justice and service to others continued after he departed from the Heights.
In 2020, he established the Justin Simmons Foundation with his wife, Taryn, focusing on mentoring youth, promoting sports, supporting education, and other charitable initiatives. He has donated over $30,000 to various youth programs in Denver, including the Denver Public Schools Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. His “31 for the Holidays” initiative has provided gifts for over 130 children and supported 25 families with meals and utility bill assistance. Simmons has been a vocal advocate for racial justice and equality, using his platform to raise awareness about systemic racism and promote meaningful dialogue. He has participated in demonstrations in his hometown, addressed crowds on racial justice issues, and advocated for voting and criminal justice reform. Simmons’s commitment to creating meaningful change embodies the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award. He inspires and demonstrates the power of using one’s platform to advocate for a more just and equitable society.
California
Marshawn Lynch (Football; 2004-06) is an Oakland legend whose status goes far beyond his outstanding athletic career. Marshawn – aka “Beastmode” – is a member of the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame and had a stellar NFL career. Yet, what he means to Oakland and the Bay Area as a hometown hero who chose to play for the Golden Bears is just as notable.
Marshawn’s Fam1st Family Foundation is one mechanism through which he gives back to the community that helped make him into the person that he is today. Lynch’s investment in young people includes sponsoring trips for youth to experience other parts of the world, sponsoring sports physicals, and mentoring the next generation of athletes. His advocacy for social justice is grounded in his willingness to always show up authentically, and in so, giving others the courage to do likewise. From his famous cart drive as a college football player to asking critical questions of business and tech leaders today about the collateral, social and interpersonal impact of technological advances, Lynch is a pioneer and voice for many who may feel unheard or unseen.
Charmin Smith (Women’s Basketball Head Coach; 2019-present; Assistant Coach; 2007-19) embodies the mission of the ACC UNITE Award as a trailblazer for racial equity and social justice. A former WNBA player and now head coach of the Cal women’s basketball team, Smith empowers her student-athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the court, fostering social consciousness and activism.
Under her leadership, the Cal women’s basketball program launched initiatives like the Race for Change, raising over $20,000 for Cal Athletics’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice office since 2020. Race for Change is a fundraising and awareness-raising walk that brings together community members toward the dismantling of systems of oppression. In 2021, she rebranded the Cal Classic tournament to the “Raising the B.A.R. Invitational” (Basketball, Activism, Representation), featuring programs led by Black female head coaches and amplifying voices in the DEI space. The inaugural invitational included Cal, Furman, Ole Miss, and San Diego State, marking the first NCAA Division I basketball tournament with all African American female head coaches.
Smith encourages her student-athletes to become active voices for change. Two former players created the Cal Racial Justice Council in 2020, leading conversations and actions in racial justice advocacy. Smith serves on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors and co-chairs the WBCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is a member of the Women of Color group and participates in the Advancement of Blacks in Sports, working to review hiring practices in college athletics.
Recognized in 2020 and 2024 as one of the 100 Most Impactful People in Women’s College Basketball by Silver Waves Media, Smith uses her platform to advocate for meaningful change. Her leadership, activism, and focus on structural change have made her a pioneering force in the community.
Clemson
Mary Kennerty (Women’s Basketball & Tennis; 1975-82) was a trailblazer for women’s varsity athletics at Clemson, embodying the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award. Kennerty was named the first varsity head coach of both the women’s tennis and women’s basketball teams in their inaugural seasons in 1975-76. The first women’s basketball team finished 14-11, and women’s tennis went 9-6.
Kennerty transitioned to coaching only tennis for the 1977–1982 seasons, where she led the Tigers program to a 133-47 record. Four of her teams finished with a top 20 ranking overall. She also coached Clemson to its first women’s ACC team title in 1981. Clemson celebrates its 50th year of women’s athletics this season, and Kennerty’s contributions were foundational to the 12 women’s sports Clemson now sponsors.
Marion Reeves (Football; 1970-73) was Clemson’s first African American football player. As a sophomore, Reeves came off the bench to record two interceptions from his defensive back position in a 17-7 win over rival South Carolina. Reeves was a starter for the first seven games of his senior year in 1973 before an injury ended his season.
After earning his Clemson degree, Reeves played one year in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, then a couple of seasons in the CFL. Reeves now serves as Pastor of Pleasant Spring AME Church in his hometown of Irmo, South Carolina.
Duke
Troy Austin (Football; 1996-2000, 2018-present), currently the Deputy Director of Athletics/Development for the Duke Athletics Department, has been a pivotal leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Duke athletics. He played a key role in developing the department’s DEIB Strategic Plan, launched in June 2020 in response to President Vincent Price’s call for transformative action. Under Austin’s leadership, the plan focused on embracing diversity, expanding it through hiring, retention, and education, and strengthening the sense of belonging within the Duke Athletics community. By creating focus groups and surveys, he ensured that the voices of both the student-athletes and staff were central to the plan’s formation. A former defensive lineman and team captain for Duke from 1996-00, Austin’s efforts have driven meaningful, lasting change in the athletic department’s organizational structures and practices.
Michelle Staggers (Women’s Lacrosse; 2015-19) has been a passionate advocate for Black student-athletes, spearheading efforts to elevate their voices and create spaces of belonging at Duke. As a junior at Duke in 2018, she co-founded United Black Athletes (UBA) to provide a vital space for Duke’s Black athletes. She later participated in a conversation titled “The History of Black Student-Athletes and Activism at Duke,” alongside Claudius “C.B.” Claiborne, Duke’s first Black student-athlete, where she discussed her experiences as a student-athlete activist and drew parallels to Claiborne’s involvement in the 1969 Allen Building sit-in. Her thesis on the history of Black male athletes at Duke earned the Winfred Quinton Holton Prize for Educational Research. Staggers’ efforts have helped pave the way for future Black athletes, solidifying her role as a key figure in fostering inclusivity in Duke Athletics.
Florida State
Tiffani Brown (Softball; 2010-14) has continued to make an impact in and around the Tallahassee community. Brown played for the Seminoles from 2010-14 and was a first-team All-ACC selection and a second-team NFCA All-Southeast Region honoree in 2012. Brown is currently on the FSU all-time top 10 list for career runs (207), triples (22), hits (285) and stolen bases (109). Brown helped the Seminoles reach the Women’s College World Series in 2014, the program’s first trip to Oklahoma City since 2004.
Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in criminology and graduated from the Florida State Law School in 2017. She became a licensed lawyer in 2018. As a lawyer in Tallahassee, Brown has promoted equity, racial and social justice while practicing criminal defense and encouraging equality in the criminal justice system. Brown focused on equality in legal representation while working with Legal Aid, which allowed her to connect with the Tallahassee community, volunteer and provide legal advice pro bono to ensure equality within the legal system.
Along with encouraging equality in the criminal justice system, Brown is also preparing future lawyers. Brown consistently mentors young female students who are aspiring to become attorneys. Brown now owns and operates a female-led law firm in Tallahassee.
Terance Mann (Men’s Basketball; 2015-19) is in his fifth season as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He was a second-round selection (the 48th overall pick in the draft) of the Clippers in the 2019 NBA Draft after enjoying a stellar career at Florida State. Mann was named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for the month of February 2024 as he was recognized for his efforts in promoting youth mentorship and community engagement through his foundation.
In 2023, Mann Launched the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation. The foundation is committed to increasing opportunities for students by providing access to sports and helping them excel in sports and academics.
During his time at Florida State, Mann was a 2018 Senior CLASS Award candidate, a member of the 2018 NABC Give Back Team, and a 2019 John R. Wooden Citizenship Cup semifinalist. Mann earned an ACC Top Six Award which is presented to student-athletes from each ACC school who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities as a senior.
Mann graduated from Florida State with a degree in social science in 2019. As a senior, Mann averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while leading the Seminoles to a 29–8 record. He was a two-time All-ACC Honorable Mention selection (2018 and 2019), named to the 2019 All-ACC Tournament second team, the 2019 NCAA Tournament West Regional All-Region Team, the 2017 Jamaica Classic All-Tournament Team and the 2018 AdvoCare Invitational All-Tournament Team. Mann helped the Seminoles to the Elite Eight of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, the Sweet 16 of the 2019 NCAA Tournament and the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament. During his four-year career, the Seminoles won 98 games. He finished his career in Tallahassee as the third player in school history with over 1,200 points, 600 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.
Georgia Tech
Grover Hinsdale (Track & Field; 1979-present) has left an indelible mark on Georgia Tech track and field as the program’s head coach for the past 32 years. He has not only coached champions on the track but countless men who have gone on to represent Tech with distinction in all walks of life as alumni. Coach Hinsdale’s impact can be felt on and off the track.
The Yellow Jackets have posted seven top 10 indoor and outdoor NCAA Championship finishes during Hinsdale’s tenure. He was named the ACC Indoor Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2008 and has coached three Olympic gold medalists, 13 NCAA champions and 87 all-Americans. Twenty-five members of the men’s team during his tenure have gone on to be inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
Among the group of talented athletes is Derrick Adkins, who won Olympic gold in 1996, and was a two-time national champion and six-time all-American during his Tech career. A second Olympic medalist is Derek Mills, who won gold as part of the 4×400 relay team in Atlanta, was a four-time national champion and an 11-time all-American for the Jackets. The third Olympic medalist is Angelo Taylor, who won gold in the 400 intermediate hurdles at the 2000 Sydney Games, for which Hinsdale was honored with the USATF Outstanding Coach Award. Taylor also won two NCAA titles and was a four-time all-American during his career on The Flats. Some of the top field performers under Hinsdale include Rich Thompson, a three-time all-American in the triple jump; Mark White, an all-American discus thrower who won two ACC Championships in the discus and was the 1990 ACC Champion in the shotput.
Other top athletes include Eric Bowers, the 1995 and 1996 ACC champion and current ACC record holder in the long jump; along with Joe McDonald, who broke the school record in the decathlon for the third straight time in 1992 and was the ACC indoor long jump champion in 1991. Octavius Terry, a three-time national champion and nine-time all-American, and Jonas Motiejunas, a two-time national champion and five-time all-American, as well as, national champions Michael Johnson and Tomas Motiejunas.
Dr. Shaday Word-Daniels (Women’s Basketball; 2007-11) embodies the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award through her dedication to philanthropy and innovative achievements. She was a two-year letterwinner for the Yellow Jackets and took the floor in 35 career games.
After her time on the court, Word-Daniels has spent most of the last decade working at Southern Company and Georgia Power delivering resilient energy solutions that connect communities, businesses and future generations to opportunity. At Southern Company, she is a Supplier Inclusion Consultant, supporting Georgia Power Company (GPC) and Southern Nuclear Company (SNC). In her role, she serves as the supplier inclusion contact across GPC and SNC and is responsible for understanding business unit procurement needs to expand the pool of potential diverse and small suppliers. Word-Daniels supports business units across The Southern Company footprint by fostering relationships and connections between business unit leaders and vetted/qualified diverse suppliers. She works closely with small and diverse suppliers in the classifications of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses daily, by supporting and mentoring suppliers on how to do business with large corporations such as Georgia Power.
Additionally, Word-Daniels works closely with non-diverse prime suppliers to encourage tier 2 subcontracting with diverse suppliers, which provides diverse suppliers with growth and learning opportunities and experiences. Internally, her team is at the forefront of leading The Southern Company to a Move-To-Equity goal of 30% (over $2 billion) in diverse spending by 2025. Southern Company is currently tracking at 28%. Externally, Word-Daniels’ team highly impacts economic development in the local community as the latest economic impact study showed The Southern Company purchases from diverse businesses resulted in 34K jobs and $1.7B in wages. Dr. Word-Daniels is a Board of Director for Women’s Energy Network (WEN), an organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professional women across the energy industry. She currently serves as the Philanthropy Director.
Louisville
Angel McCoughtry (Women’s Basketball; 2005-09) is the most decorated player in Louisville women’s basketball program history. She achieved many of the “firsts” in program history during her four years at Louisville, then made a name for herself in the WNBA after being drafted No. 1 overall.
McCoughtry was the first player in program history to be named a first-team All-American, a feat she achieved in each of her final three seasons. In her sophomore season, she was named the BIG EAST Player of the Year, the first player in program history to win a Conference Player of the Year Award. That season, she led the BIG EAST Conference in scoring, rebounding, and steals, while breaking school records for the most steals in a season, most points in a season, and most points in a game. In her junior season, she broke her own records for points and steals on the season and tied her own single-game scoring record. McCoughtry broke the record for career scoring by a Louisville women’s basketball player during the first game of her senior year en route to the program’s first trip to the Final Four and national championship game. McCoughtry ended her Louisville career as the program leader in career points, single-season points, career free throws made, single-season steals and career steals, all marks that she still owns today. While she was at Louisville, she was a member of Team USA at the 2007 Pan Am Games and came away with the gold medal. She was inducted into the Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
McCoughtry was drafted No. 1 by the Atlanta Dream in the 2009 WNBA Draft, the first player in program history to be drafted No. 1 overall. She had a stellar first season and was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 12.8 points per game. Her career in the WNBA was just as decorated as it was in college as she was a five-time WNBA All-Star, two-time All-WNBA first-team selection, and led the league in both scoring and steals twice. She was named to the WNBA 25th Anniversary Team in 2021. On the international stage, McCoughtry represented the United States in multiple events. She is a five-time gold medalist, including winning gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Additionally, she earned numerous honors and awards throughout her career including being a four-time All-WNBA second-team selection, seven-time WNBA All-Defensive first-team pick (2010–2016), and a WNBA All-Defensive second-team honoree (2009). She was also a Hungarian National League champion (2011), Hungarian Cup winner (2011), two-time Turkish National League champion (2012, 2013), Turkish Cup winner (2015), four-time Turkish President Cup winner (2012–15), EuroLeague winner (2017), and Lebanese Basketball League champion (2017).
Along with being a decorated athlete, McCoughtry has been engaged in service and community building. In 2010, McCoughtry started the Angel McCoughtry Dream Foundation, which focuses on sportsmanship and self-confidence for youth. She also helped revitalize run-down basketball courts through #McCoughtrysMission, an initiative that grows the game of basketball by providing a space for kids to play. She is also a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta nonprofit, where she serves as an outstanding champion and honorary Big.
Judge Derwin L. Webb (Men’s Basketball; 1989-93) saw three NCAA tournaments (1990, 1992, and 1993) under Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Denny Crum, and two regular-season conference championships in 1990 and 1993. Judge Webb served as a team captain his senior year, playing in 113 games over his career as a Cardinal. In his professional career, Judge Webb was the first African American male Family Court Judge in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A first-generation attorney, Judge Webb was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but later moved to Louisville where he has lived for more than 25 years. As an undergraduate, he was elected as a Senator in the Student Government Association. In this role, he represented the interests of the student population and discovered the importance of public service. After receiving his B.S. in Political Science, he attended the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. Upon graduation, he began his legal career with the prestigious law firm, Stites & Harbison, where he learned all aspects of business and corporate law. Judge Webb then returned to his alma mater to work as an assistant athletic director where he supported the athletic department in areas of compliance, academics, and diversity. He was appointed by the president to serve on the University’s Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality, the president’s chief policy advisor on issues of diversity. He founded the Legal Eagles, a program coordinated with prosecutors and the police department to teach Jefferson County Public School elementary students the importance of following the law.
Judge Webb has served as treasurer of the Louisville Black Lawyers Association and as past chair of the criminal law section of the Louisville Bar Association. He has also volunteered as a coach for local schools and served on the boards of several nonprofit groups dedicated to improving the lives of individuals within the Kentuckiana region. This work earned Judge Webb the Business First “Forty Under Forty” Award for outstanding Louisville young professionals. He has also received the University of Louisville Department of Political Science Outstanding Alumni Award and is a member of the University of Louisville President’s Council and a member of the Brandeis Advisory Board. Most recently, among other distinguished recognitions, Judge Webb was presented with the “2024 Eagle Award”, which is presented by the Louisville Metro Council to one of 10 local judges for their success and contributions to the Kentucky Judicial System.
North Carolina
Martina Ballen (1976-80; 1987-present) is the senior associate athletics director and chief financial officer for UNC Athletics, a position she has held since 2011. Ballen is the first African American woman to become a senior administrator in the Department of Athletics at North Carolina. She has been instrumental in the creation of the Tar Heel Trailblazer, an ongoing program to celebrate those who have shaped Carolina athletics and continues to set an incredible example for all of the students, staff and the entire Carolina Community.
She graduated from North Carolina in 1980 with a degree in business administration and went on to earn her master’s degree from Wake Forest in 1984. The Southern Pines native has worked in the Carolina athletics department since 1987.
Brianna Pinto (Women’s Soccer; 2018-20), a current midfielder for North Carolina Courage, led UNC to three NCAA College Cup Appearances, helped win the 2019 ACC Championship title, and led her team to the ACC regular-season title in all three years of her career as a Tar Heel. In 2021, Pinto was the No. 3 overall pick in the NWSL Draft by Sky Blue FC.
At UNC, Pinto scored 31 goals with 19 assists in 73 games while receiving numerous accolades. All three seasons, Pinto earned All-ACC first-team honors and made the All-ACC Academic team. In her freshman season, she made the All-ACC Freshman Team, United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Second Team, and was tabbed a TopDrawer Soccer First Team Freshman All-American. In Pinto’s sophomore year, she was named a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-American, TopDrawer Soccer Third-Team All-American, MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-South Region First Team and was named the U.S Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. During her junior season, Pinto was recognized as a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-American, TopDrawer Soccer First-Team All-American, named to the United Soccer Coaches All-South Region First Team, All-NCAA College Cup Team, and was a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy and the Honda Award. Pinto was a member of UNC’s Undergraduate Real Estate Club and UNC’s Minority Business Student Alliance. In 2020, she was named the Tar Heel Scholar-Athlete and earned CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team recognition. Pinto has been inducted into UNC’s Order of the Golden Fleece.
Pinto runs the Pinto Futbol Foundation, which invests in grassroots programs designed to grow the game of soccer in underserved communities domestically and around the club while working to minimize structural and financial barriers to participation. She serves the community through program donations, camps, events and scholarship funding with her foundation and is committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in sports. Additionally, Pinto currently serves on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council and formally served on the FORevHER Tar Heels advisory board. She was also the U.S. Youth Representative for the 2026 United Bid Committee at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia, and was nominated for the 2023 Nationwide NWSL Community Impact Award. Pinto continues to give back to her sport while being an effective advocate for women and minorities.
NC State
Chester A. Grant (1948-81) stands out as a trailblazer in the field of athletic training, not only for his groundbreaking work in sports medicine but also for his role as one of the first Black employees at NC State. Grant served over three decades as an athletic trainer.
When Grant joined NC State, the makeup of collegiate athletics and its support staff was very different. As one of the only Black employees on campus during his time, Grant broke many barriers that paved the way for greater representation within the department. He is a symbol of inspiration, a demonstration of excellence and progress, and a source of resilience that transcends racial and institutional boundaries. He has earned so much respect from peers and student-athletes that it extended beyond his years. At the 1970 Homecoming football game against Virginia, the athletics department presented Grant with a car to acknowledge his dedicated service to the Wolfpack athletic community.
In addition to his impact at NC State, he opened the doors for future generations of Black professionals in sports medicine. In 1974, NC State presented Grant with the Distinguished Service Award and named its athletics training facility in Reynolds Coliseum the Chester A. Grant Sports Medicine Center.
Ronnie Laughlin (Women’s Basketball; 1978-81), who starred at NC State, has a journey that has taken her from rural Sedalia, North Carolina, to NC State and on to Saudi Arabia. After playing high school basketball for Debbie Yow, she played one year for Nora Lynn Finch at Peace College before following Finch to NC State to play for head coach Kay Yow. During Laughlin’s time at NC State, the Wolfpack women won the ACC’s regular-season championship in 1978 and both the regular-season and tournament championships in 1980.
After NC State, her journey took her to Saudi Arabia where she built a career as a speech pathologist. When moving to Saudi Arabia to train Middle Eastern students to become speech pathologists, she chose to step out of her comfort zone. Her clients became primarily Saudi Arabian children who had trouble with articulation or putting sentences together as they learned English.
Among the challenges she faced, including culture shock and continuing to learn Arabic, Laughlin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. The intestinal fortitude of Laughlin continued as she drove herself to treatment, continued working and researched a treatment to help with severe cancer-related fatigue that her doctor prescribed. Now healthy, she has documented the experience of her journey through her book, An Atypical Journey.
Notre Dame
Dorene Dominguez (1981-85) serves as a Hesburgh Trustee of the University of Notre Dame, a public corporate director of KB Home as well as CIT Group and CIT Bank NA and is an active member of the Coca-Cola Hispanic Advisory Council, composed of distinguished national leaders in the Latino community. In addition, she became the first and only Latina NBA owner, serving as a part-owner of the Sacramento Kings and is on Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Economic Recovery addressing COVID-19.
Dominguez founded The Dominguez Dream in memory of her father (H. Frank Dominguez), which empowers children in underserved communities to achieve in Literacy and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) ranked Dominguez as one of their Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas for 2020.
Dominguez graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Finance and holds a Certificate in Corporate Governance from Harvard University.
Art Velasquez Jr. (1957-60) has served as a Trustee, Emeritus Trustee, and now Hesburgh Trustee on the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees. Velasquez, the son of a migrant farmworker whose dream was to have his sons attend Notre Dame, began his educational journey at Notre Dame’s elementary school when it existed on campus.
After graduation from Notre Dame, he and several business partners founded Azteca (formerly Azteca Corn Products Corporation), where he climbed the ranks to become chairman, president, and CEO. Under his leadership, Azteca became the nation’s leading maker of refrigerated tortillas. In addition to his reputation as a successful entrepreneur, Velasquez became known as one of Chicago’s most active business and community leaders. He served on numerous corporate, educational, and philanthropic boards. Velasquez has been a director of the Chicago Metro Board of Junior Achievement, Maryville City of Youth, Museum of Science and Industry, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, Catholic Charities of Chicago, and Big Shoulders Fund.
Velasquez served on the advisory council of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino Studies (ILS), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, established an endowment to support Latino artists to exhibit at ILS, was instrumental in the development of bilingual recruiters and staff in the Notre Dame admissions office, sponsors Notre Dame recruitment events at low-income high schools and has committed millions of dollars to ILS operations and the Latino Studies Merit Scholarship.
Pitt
Leah Friedman (2004-08) is a University of Pittsburgh women’s tennis alumni who has dedicated her career to breaking barriers within communities by bringing access and awareness to all. Friedman has an extensive background in developing programs that support individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As the current executive director for the Ryan Shazier Fund, Friedman helps support those with spinal cord injuries and their families by providing them with resources to live independent lives.
Before her return to Pittsburgh, Friedman built a career where she used tennis as her vehicle to support underserved communities across the country. With the United States Tennis Association, she managed numerous community events, including community outreach for the US Open, that connected youth with the sport of tennis and professional athletes, such as Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Rafa Nadal, and many others. As the former vice president of a non-profit in Washington D.C., Friedman managed a $1 million budget that served more than 1,000 youth in the nation’s capital. In 2019, the Sports Business Journal named her as one of the Top 5 Executives Driving Business and Decision Making in Tennis.
She co-founded The ACE Project, which develops children in underserved communities by building character, confidence, and competency through the sport of tennis.
“There is no greater or more rewarding responsibility than being in a role that impacts someone’s life and community. Lessons we learn on the court and field go way beyond the playing boundaries,” Friedman said. “These life lessons make not just ourselves better, but they also create meaningful, long-lasting connections that promote positive change.”
Darelle Porter (Men’s Basketball; 1987-91). Giving back to the Pittsburgh community is not only personal to Darelle Porter but his life’s mission. As a Pittsburgh native and highly decorated University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball alumni, he has passionately served his community for over 20 years. Porter is currently the executive director of the Ozanam Program, which supports over 500 youth per year through a wide variety of programs. More specifically, Ozanam provides after-school care, homework support, meals, recreational activities, and athletic programs. One of his most recognized programs is the Basketball Summer League, which has helped mentor and produce several NBA athletes. Porter also spends many late nights and weekends taking youth groups to Pittsburgh sporting events. Porter’s priorities are for youth to try something different every day and be exposed to new spaces and possibilities.
“I have a passion to work with youth. I was one of the youth. I started in this program when I was younger. Many times, when you are from an underserved area, you do not get the opportunity to do certain things. We are big on giving our kids opportunities to go to professional sporting events, to see colleges and this way they can have the sky be the limit,” says Porter.
SMU
Pastor Richie Butler (1989-93) has over 20 years of experience in private equity real estate investment management. Butler has been responsible for nearly $1 billion of institutional real estate investment and fund management activity throughout the U.S. Under his leadership, Project Unity offers community building and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) solutions through its “Together We” programs including “Together We Ball”, “Together We Dine”, “Together We Learn”, and “Together We Sing”.
As a civic leader, in response to the five Dallas police officers who were ambushed in 2016, Butler launched the Year of Unity a community-wide initiative to help bridge racial divides in Dallas. The initiative included support from the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, who served as the Honorary Chair. During the pandemic, he launched the “Together We Test” and “Together We Vaccinate” programs to help address the lack of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations in low-income communities. Combined, these programs tested and vaccinated over 10,000 individuals. In 2021, he co-launched the “Together We Can” initiative to address the “what can I do” question people began to ask in response to the death of George Floyd. The “Together We Can” program has attracted Fortune 500 companies, universities, foundations, and grassroots organizations as partners.
Butler’s current board appointments include the Southern Methodist University Board of Trustees, Communities Foundation of Texas Board of Trustees-Chairman, Texas Methodist Foundation Board of Trustees, and an Independent Board of Director of Brookshire Grocery Company.
Charlene Edwards (1991-95) is the director of Programs and Events for Project Unity. She has worked with public and private sector business entities, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, non-profits and professional associations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Now, she shares her gifts of strategic planning and management with the good works of Project Unity, overseeing all the signature programs stakeholder and partner relationships and volunteer program.
Edwards is a certified meetings and events planner with Meetings Professionals International (MPI), a global events association, where she is active in the local DFW chapter and served on its board for two years. She has over 22 years of global meeting and event experience working in a myriad of industries including mortgage, financial, pharmaceutical, information technology and oil and gas. While she started her career as a Systems Engineer with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), her exposure to and passion for the community, volunteering, and project management showed through and the result of her college and early career experiences has catapulted her to the work she does for Project Unity and our North Texas community.
Recently awarded the prestigious Colleen Rickenbacher Leadership Award, Edwards helps steward the educational efforts of the chapter’s CMP program, which allows her to help industry peers achieve this much-desired global certification. She is a proud graduate of the Southern Methodist University School of Engineering.
Stanford
Nya Harrison (Women’s Soccer; 2021-25) is a current member of the Stanford Women’s Soccer team, having already contributed to 10 shutout wins this season. She embodies the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award through her courageous leadership and stunning athletic achievements.
Harrison is a part of the United States national team system and has been called into action for seven matches, including with the U18 team at the Tricontinental Cup. As a sophomore, Harrison was a part of the Pac-12 Championship team and helped guide Stanford to 12 shutout wins while limiting opponents to just an average of 0.55 goals per game on 8.6 shots per game. She made the Pac-12 Fall Academic Honor Roll in both her sophomore and junior seasons. This year, she has started in all 15 matches to date, helping Stanford to a 12-2-1 record and a No. 6 national ranking.
Harrison has built up the Cardinal BLCK club, where she serves as president, to 50 student-athletes. The club creates community-building initiatives, executes alumni events, supports Black mental health, holds voter registration events, and has collaborated with Stanford Black Community Services Center to connect student-athletes to the broader campus community. Harrison is also a Voice in Sport Advocate. She is one of the founding members and led 2022 Capital Hill Day to pitch expanding Title IX during her trip to Washington, D.C. Harrison is a part of the Empowerment Collective as well, having served as campaign manager for CA Bill 610. She organized coalition meetings, strategized bill language, and provided educational presentations on CA Bill 610 to various stakeholders and communities to garner support.
Syracuse
Greg Allen (Football; 1969-73) played a pivotal role in one of the most important movements for racial equality in collegiate athletics as a member of the legendary “Syracuse 8”. In 1970, Allen and eight fellow African American student-athletes boycotted the Syracuse University football program in protest of the systemic racial inequities they faced. Their stand came at great personal cost, yet it resulted in significant, lasting changes at the University.
The “Syracuse 8” called for the hiring of an African American assistant coach, better academic support, and improved medical care for student-athletes. Despite pushback from local officials, the group persisted in their fight for justice, leading to a 38-page report that identified the University’s treatment of African American players as “an act of institutional racism.” The courageous stand taken by Allen and his peers paved the way for much-needed reforms in Syracuse athletics and set a precedent for racial justice in collegiate sports.
Beyond his efforts with the “Syracuse 8”, Allen has led an extraordinary professional and community life. A trailblazer in the corporate world, he became the first African American division sales manager at Liberty Mutual and helped establish their Corporate Diversity Network. His commitment to diversity and mentorship extended beyond his career, as he coached youth sports, served as a deacon at his church, and engaged in numerous charitable activities. In 2006, Allen and the “Syracuse 8” were honored with the Chancellor’s Medal for Extraordinary Courage, a fitting recognition for their efforts to create meaningful, lasting change. Allen’s lifelong commitment to racial equity and social justice, both in sports and in the broader community, embodies the ideals of the ACC UNITE Award.
Sydnie Moore (Volleyball; 2024-25) exemplifies the values of racial equity and social justice that this award seeks to recognize, through her exceptional contributions in athletics and her commitment to driving positive change.
Moore was named one of Glamour Magazine’s 2023 College Women of the Year and received the 2022 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, showcasing her outstanding leadership on and off the volleyball court. She is having an exceptional season this year with the Syracuse volleyball team while also being a vocal advocate for inclusivity and equality within her team, school, and community. Her ongoing advocacy for underrepresented individuals in sports, and her passion for promoting social justice through education and engagement, align perfectly with the ACC UNITE’s mission. Moore’s pioneering efforts in creating meaningful change make her stand out on and off the court.
Virginia
Elijah Gaines (Football; 2020-25) is the former President of Black Student-Athletes Offering Service and Support (B.O.S.S.). In this role, he coordinated service opportunities, fun and educational events for student-athletes, and collaborated with various groups across grounds and in Charlottesville. Gaines has and continues to have a lasting impact on the University and Charlottesville community.
A model student-athlete, Gaines participated in the 2023 ACC Unity Tour in Washington, D.C. and is a three-time ACC All-Academic Team and ACC Academic Honor Roll honoree. Gaines graduated a semester early with a double major in media studies and African American studies. He is currently enrolled in UVA’s Higher Education Master’s Program. Additionally, Gaines attended the Black Student-Athlete Summit in 2022 and is a member of Men of Honor, Color, and Ambition (MOCHA), a program designed to develop leaders within the local community through youth development initiatives.
An avid volunteer, Gaines has done community service with the Ronald McDonald House, UVA Campus Cleanup, UVA Equity Center, Blue Ridge Food Bank, Colby’s Crew Rescue, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and Greer Elementary School. Last fall, Gaines joined athletics director Carla Williams and Happy Perry (mother of former UVA Football Player D’Sean Perry) in a community conversation for local youth on the topics of mentorship, reaching one’s potential, and finding community.
Carla Williams, Ph.D. (Director of Athletics; 2017-present) was named the athletics director at the University of Virginia in October 2017, becoming the first female African American athletics director at a Power Five Conference institution. Still serving in the role, Williams has led the department through years of success in athletics, the classroom, and in the community. Virginia teams have won nine NCAA Team National Championships and 18 ACC Team Championships during Williams’ tenure.
Williams brings a unique and valuable mindset as an athletics director having previously been a student-athlete and a coach. Her student-athlete first mantra has led to the creation of many new and prestigious programs at UVA. Some of those programs include overseeing the development of the Pathways Program, which uses University, community and alumni resources to connect student-athletes with areas of interest to help jump-start their career goals, identify valuable skills and accelerate their leadership abilities. Furthermore, William’s launch of the (and soon-to-be-completed) Master Plan facility project will create a permanent home for UVA’s Center for Citizen Leaders and Sports Ethics.
Williams has earned many accolades including being named an SEC Trailblazer as part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, was a recipient of the Women in Sports and Events (WISE) 2022 Woman of the Year Award, was named the Women Leaders in College Sports 2019 Administrator of the Year for FBS and was a 2021 and 2024 finalist for Sports Business Journal Division I Athletics Director of the Year. Williams began a three-year term on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee earlier this fall, becoming the first African American female athletics director to be named to the committee.
Virginia Tech
Aaron Rouse (Football; 2003-07) was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. After retiring from the NFL, Rouse returned home to Virginia Beach to begin his career in public service. He served as a coach and a mentor before he founded Rouse’s House, a non-profit organization that promotes education and provides resources for low-income students in Hampton Roads public schools.
In 2018, Rouse was elected to the Virginia Beach City Council, where he served one term. After ending his bid for mayor during the early stage of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Rouse announced in the spring of 2022 that he would run for the Virginia State Senate in the 2023 election. Rouse currently represents Virginia’s 22nd District in the Senate and is running to be the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. As a senator, Rouse’s platform focuses on creating new economic opportunities and building an economy that works for every family, including attracting new jobs to the region, increasing funding for affordable housing, and reducing health care costs. Rouse has proudly partnered with the Department of Justice and Virginia Beach Police Department to deepen the levels of community trust and provide residents with new and improved safe spaces in their neighborhoods.
Aisha Sheppard (Women’s Basketball; 2017-22) is the Hokies’ all-time leading scorer and owns the ACC Women’s basketball record for career three-pointers made. She was selected 23rd overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2022 WNBA Draft and was a part of the Aces’ 2023 championship team, but her impact extends beyond the basketball court.
When the murder of George Floyd made national headlines in May 2020, it hit closer to home for Sheppard, who was a second cousin of Floyd. In the wake of Floyd’s death, Sheppard used her platform as a student-athlete to shed light on racial and social injustices. She marched alongside her mother in Washington, D.C. to take a stand against racism and police violence and was a vocal leader on and off the court. When Virginia Tech Athletics launched the #LOVE campaign during the 2020-21 season to encourage love, unity, and equality, Sheppard shared her personal experiences about activism, inequality, and the power of the student-athlete voice. Sheppard sees basketball as a platform to support her community and their struggles. She is committed to uplifting her community and actively engages in organizing youth basketball camps. In 2023, she launched the Aisha Sheppard Mentorship Program, a mentorship training program designed to elevate the next generation of basketball athletes.
Wake Forest
Dianne Dailey (Women’s Golf; 1988-2018) was a legendary Wake Forest administrator and head women’s golf coach, as well as a trailblazer for women in athletics. In 1988, Dr. Gene Hooks named Dailey the director of women’s athletics in addition to being the head women’s golf coach at Wake Forest. Dailey was the first full-time athletic department staff member to serve in either role and served the dual positions until 1999 when she relinquished the athletic director role in order to focus on coaching the golf team.
One of the biggest impacts Dailey made was listening to the student-athletes off the course. She met them where they were and was able to adjust to how they learned best. She was able to maintain her long-standing success by changing teaching techniques with the times and technology. She was able to push the program forward with world-class facilities, the best on-campus facility in the country, which dons her name at the Dianne Dailey Learning Center.
Dailey retired as head coach of the women’s golf program in the spring of 2018, after a stellar 30-year career, earning a spot in the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame and launching the careers of a stream of alumni who became professional golfers. Additionally, she was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. She was named a Medallion of Merit honoree by Wake Forest University in February 2024. The Medallion of Merit is the highest honor given by Wake Forest and is presented annually for outstanding achievement and distinguished contribution to the University. Previous recipients include presidents of the University, trustees, benefactors and retired faculty and administrators.
Her 30-year tenure as a head coach is the second-longest in school history behind only Jesse Haddock’s 32 seasons. During that transformational tenure, Dailey led the Demon Deacons to 30 team titles and 38 individual titles. Her women’s golf program won four ACC Championships, and she led the Deacons to 15 NCAA Championship appearances while being recognized with four ACC Coach of the Year honors. During her tenure, Dailey coached 27 All-Americans, 39 All-ACC selections, five ACC Players of the Year and four ACC Freshmen of the Year including 2018 NCAA Champion Jennifer Kupcho. Dailey led the Deacons to ACC titles in 1994, 1995, 2009 and 2010 while taking the club to an NCAA regional berth every year from 1993 to 2018.
A 1971 graduate of Salem College with a master’s degree in education from NC State, she also played golf professionally for eight years before coming to Wake Forest to coach in 1988.
Bill Hayes (Football; 1973-75) had a trailblazing career that has inspired many. Coach Hayes, who served as Wake Forest’s running backs coach from 1973 to 1975, was a groundbreaking figure in the ACC and set a precedent for diversity and excellence in college football. He was recognized prior to and during the Demon Deacons’ Week 1 game against North Carolina A&T on Thursday, August 29, inside Allegacy Stadium.
After his time at Wake Forest, where he was the first Black assistant coach in the University’s history as well as the first in the ACC, Hayes became the head coach at Winston-Salem State University (1976-87), where he led the Rams to three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships and five CIAA divisional titles. His leadership was instrumental in taking his 1978 team to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Following his tenure at Winston-Salem State, Hayes served as head coach at North Carolina A&T (1988-2002), guiding the Aggies to two NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances and winning three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles. He is the second-winningest football coach in the state of North Carolina’s collegiate history.
Hayes’s career also includes a distinguished role in athletic administration, where he served as the athletic director at North Carolina Central, Florida A&M, and Winston-Salem State University. Under his leadership, WSSU achieved significant success, including a national championship game appearance in 2012. In recognition of his contributions, Hayes was awarded the 2019 AFCA Trailblazer Award, honoring his role as an early leader in the football coaching profession at historically Black colleges and universities. A statue in his honor is set to be unveiled at Winston-Salem State University, celebrating his legacy and impact. Not to be outdone, the field at Bowman Gray Stadium was named in his honor a few years ago. Coach Hayes’s achievements not only reflect his outstanding career but also his commitment to advancing opportunities for others.
