University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Represent Carolina At 2026 ACC Unity Tour In Washington, D.C.
July 21, 2026 | Student-Athlete Development
Washington, D.C. – Four student-athletes and three athletic department staff members were selected to participate in the 2026 ACC Unity Tour. This group was invited to take part in an immersive educational experience focused on history, culture and community engagement in the nation's capital.
Representing Carolina were student-athletes Sydney Seabrooks and Hannah Aoki from Gymnastics and Kalani Witherspoon and Maameyaa Nyinah from track & field. They were joined by Symone Lyles and Josh Wright from the Mental Health and Performance Psychology department. The group was led by Cricket Lane, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development.
The first day of the tour welcomed student-athletes and staff with an opening dinner, followed by a keynote speaker and panel discussion. The evening concluded with small-group reflection sessions, giving participants the opportunity to connect and discuss the themes introduced throughout the program.
Centered on the theme of Sport Development and Diplomacy, the tour explored how sport builds bridges between college athletics and communities, creates opportunities and drives meaningful change.
On the second day, participants toured the National Archives and attended a panel at the National Women's Law Center. LaChina Robinson, an Emmy-winning WNBA analyst, led a media workshop before the group then split up into small groups to explore the Smithsonian Museums. Later in the evening, attendees got the opportunity to reflect on the day over dinner.Â
The final day featured community service projects, a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol, and small-group meetings with members of Congress, giving participants the opportunity to connect with civic leaders and reflect on the tour's themes. The experience was highlighted by the opportunity to meet Senator Ted Budd.
For more information on all things on Carolina Athletics follow @GoHeels on all platforms.Â
