Welcome to SZN Opener, the dynamic podcast sequence that celebrates Black faculty athletes, exploring their triumphs, challenges and aspirations alongside their sports activities journeys.
SZN Opener is again with brand-new episodes and interviews with the brightest up-and-coming athletes in faculty sports activities right now. Season three returns with a recent batch of in-depth interviews, highlighting the tales of inspiring faculty athletes as they share their formulation for fulfillment each on and off their respective taking part in fields.
Season three kicks off on the planet of school ice hockey with UNC’s Mekhi Ashford. A senior on the College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ashford joined SZN Opener host Rodney Rikai to speak about discovering his love for ice hockey whereas rising up in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally on this episode, Ashford mentioned his unconventional path to taking part in for the North Carolina Tar Heels and the way he’s leveraging NIL (title, picture and likeness) alternatives as ice hockey grows in reputation.
The Atlanta native found hockey early on
Rising up in Atlanta, Ashford went to his first hockey sport at round age seven. “I received invited to a sport. Once I noticed them play, I used to be like, that is completely different, it seems to be like loads of enjoyable. They’re my greatest buddies to this present day. They’re additionally Black gamers like me,” he mentioned. “I begged my mother and pa to let me attempt, they usually lastly gave in.”
He began out taking part in curler hockey, getting ok to start out a journey curler hockey group known as the Junior Gladiators. ââ“The best factor in regards to the group” was how numerous it was, Ashford mentioned. Round age 10, he transitioned to ice hockey. The younger athlete realized he was a standout within the sport in center college. “As soon as I used to be capable of get into the AA and AAA tier groups and begin taking part in in opposition to these children, I knew that I used to be capable of grasp with a few of the high children within the nation,” he mentioned.
Ashford was about to stop hockey when he was invited to play for the Tar Heels
Ashford’s path to UNC was not via recruitment, like most faculty athletes. “I didn’t get recruited to play there. I used to be going to cease taking part in, like okay I’ve had sufficient, particularly as a result of typically I felt misplaced taking part in. However then I received into the varsity and someway I received involved with the coach. He advised me to come back up and skate, and that’s how I in the end received on the group.”
He stays energetic in the neighborhood as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Ashford mentioned being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and what drew him to the storied group. “I received the Alpha scholarship popping out of highschool. I didn’t suppose an excessive amount of of it til I received to campus, and all of the Alphas round me have been doing probably the most for the campus and the varsity. Seeing that, I used to be like wow, I wish to make the impression that they’re having on me and I wish to try this for the those who come after me.”
Monetizing title, picture and likeness as a student-athlete
Rikai and Ashford mentioned NIL alternatives, the coverage that allows student-athletes to monetize their private model. “I’ve had a pair folks attain out just lately,” mentioned Ashford. “I really feel like sooner or later, it’s going to start out popping off much more. As a result of individuals are realizing that there’s a neighborhood that loves hockey, and the extra that individuals see it, they’re like, there’s cash right here for each side.”
Ice hockey is arising in reputation within the South, and North Carolina isn’t any exception. UNC’s personal ice hockey program is evolving in a giant method. UNC Hockey might be elevated to Division 1 standing within the American Collegiate Hockey Affiliation (ACHA) beginning within the 2025-2026 season, full with a brand-new 2,000-seat area.
Ashford admitted that he might be doing extra to capitalize on this window of alternative as an elite Black faculty hockey participant. “I have to get my media presence up,” he mentioned.
Rikai drove the purpose dwelling, underscoring the large potential he sees for Ashford if he successfully leverages the distinctive place he’s in. “You’re an anomaly,” mentioned Rikai. “And in these occasions, the individuals who have tales which might be so completely different than the remainder of society, the people who find themselves present in locations and areas wherein those who appear to be them usually haven’t, are benefitting so loopy.”
Catch the total dialog with Mekhi Ashford above. Hearken to this episode of SZN Opener on the City One Podcast Community or your favourite podcast streaming platform.
Concerning the ‘SZN Opener’ podcast
The SZN Opener podcast spotlights Black faculty athletes and their inspiring tales of laborious work, character, and excellence. Hosted by dynamic on-air persona, producer, and filmmaker, Rodney Rikai, hear in as they share their triumphs and challenges, whereas navigating demanding schedules and planning for careers past commencement. With focus and dedication, these multifaceted faculty athletes embody excellence from the classroom to the taking part in subject. Tune in to SZN Opener and uncover extra on CassiusLife.com.
