Asheville, NC – The UNC Asheville Athletics Department is proud to announce Mary Ann Myers as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Trailblazer Award. This recognition celebrates Myers’ exceptional contributions and enduring impact on the world of athletics, spanning decades as a student-athlete, college coach, and dedicated community advocate. The award, announced on Wednesday, February 19th, underscores Myers’ lifelong commitment to embodying the spirit of a Champion and Servant-Leader.
“Mary Ann’s journey, from her days as a standout student-athlete at Owen High School and Miami University in Ohio, to her impactful tenure as a college coach, and her current work empowering underserved youth through the Asheville Tennis Association, truly exemplifies what it means to be a 2025 Trailblazer,” stated UNC Asheville Athletic Director Janet R. Cone. “We are incredibly honored to present her with this year’s award.”
A proud Asheville native, Myers’ athletic prowess was evident early on. In the late 1970s, she broke barriers by playing tennis on the Owen High School boys’ team, showcasing her talent and determination in a then male-dominated sport. Her passion extended to basketball, leading her to play at Miami University. Following her own successful athletic career, Myers transitioned to coaching, dedicating ten years to shaping young athletes at institutions including UNC Asheville, Ashland University in Ohio, and Iowa State.
After her coaching chapter, Myers embarked on a successful 24-year career as a fraud investigator. However, her love for sports, particularly tennis, remained a constant. Her remarkable achievements have been recognized with inductions into both the Owen High School Hall of Fame and the Miami University (Ohio) Hall of Fame, with Miami University even retiring her No. 20 jersey – a testament to her lasting legacy. Further accolades include educational merit awards for tennis in 2023 from both North Carolina and the United States Tennis Association. Currently, Myers serves as the President of the Asheville Tennis Association, further demonstrating her ongoing dedication to the sport and the Asheville community.
After a 35-year hiatus from actively playing tennis, Myers rediscovered her passion for the game through a neighbor, proving that it’s never too late to reconnect with what you love. She is now an active member of both the Asheville Racquet Club and Aston Park and enthusiastically supports the UNC Asheville Bulldog tennis programs. Extending her commitment to the next generation, Myers also shares her expertise by teaching tennis in the City of Asheville’s after-school program, investing in the development of young athletes.
The formal presentation of the 2025 Trailblazer Award to Mary Ann Myers will take place at the “Our Turn To Play” event on April 29, 2025, at UNC Asheville’s Kimmel Arena. This event promises to be a celebration of Myers’ remarkable journey and the power of women in athletics. Those interested in attending and celebrating this 2025 trailblazer can contact Donna Peek at [email protected] for ticket information.
About Women’s Athletics Presenting Partner First Bank
First Bank, the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp, based in Southern Pines, NC, with approximately $12.1 billion in assets, is the proud presenting partner of Women’s Athletics. As a community-focused bank with 113 branches across North and South Carolina and a nationwide SBA platform, First Bank has been committed to providing tailored financial solutions since 1935. First Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FBNC.” Learn more at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
