Chapel Hill Review

Carolina Athletics has announced the recipients of the 2024 Tar Heel Trailblazers award, honoring former student-athletes Sonya Bright and Mickey Hickerson. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the University of North Carolina (UNC) and beyond, particularly in paving the way for success in various aspects of the student-athlete experience. The announcement coincides with Black History Month celebrations.

The honorees will be recognized at halftime during a men's basketball game against Virginia Tech on February 17 and will attend a reception afterward.

Sonya Bright made history in 1990 as UNC's first African American softball player. She was a three-time all-region player and two-time All-ACC performer, setting records for hits, runs, and stolen bases during her tenure. Reflecting on the honor, Bright stated, "I'm so appreciative to be honored with this award...This is very humbling and I'm very thankful to have been chosen." After college, she briefly played professional softball before becoming a dental hygienist.

Joseph "Mickey" Hickerson was UNC's first African American baseball player. He joined the junior varsity team in 1969 before moving up to varsity in 1970. Known as "Joe Jet," he was recognized as an all-star second baseman by the North Carolina Collegiate Baseball League in 1971. On receiving this recognition, Hickerson said, "I am so delighted and honored to receive this award...I felt like I was a pioneer." Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1973, he played professionally for one season before completing his education at Western Carolina University and pursuing a business career.

Bright and Hickerson are now among sixteen former UNC athletes who have received this honor since its inception.