Carolina Athletics will recognize two former student-athletes at halftime of the men’s basketball team’s game against Florida State in Chapel Hill Saturday afternoon. Women’s soccer alumna Synthia Scott Kearney and track and field alumnus Reggie McAfee will be honored as the latest class of “Tar Heel Trailblazers.”

Kearney was the first Black player in the history of the UNC women’s soccer program, and was part of national championship-winning teams in 1981 and 1982. In 1982, Kearney scored the game-winning goal in the national semifinals against Missouri-St. Louis. But her post-playing career may be even more accomplished: Kearney joined the Secret Service before eventually becoming a firefighter. She currently serves as a battalion chief in Gastonia, and was the first woman in the city’s history to hold that role. In addition, Kearney is the older sister of the late Stuart Scott.

In his four years at Carolina, McAfee won four ACC championships and was named an All-American four times. He was the first Black runner to officially run a sub-four minute mile, clocking in at 3:59.8 in 1973. He would beat that time at the ACC Championship later that season, running a 3:59.3. That time is the second-fastest outdoor mile in school history. Since graduation, McAfee has founded Cross Country for Youth in Charlotte.

After being honored at the basketball game, Kearney and McAfee will speak with current Carolina student-athletes and other department guests.

The Tar Heel Trailblazers award “recognizes individuals who paved the way for success in all aspects of the student-athlete experience, shining a spotlight on pioneers who have made memorable and lasting contributions at UNC and beyond,” according to Carolina Athletics. It is presented as part of Black History Month.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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