Welcome to SZN Opener, the dynamic podcast series that celebrates Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs, challenges and aspirations along their sports journeys.

SZN Opener is back with brand-new episodes and interviews with the brightest up-and-coming athletes in college sports today. Season three returns with a fresh batch of in-depth interviews, highlighting the stories of inspiring college athletes as they share their formulas for success both on and off their respective playing fields.

Season three kicks off in the world of college ice hockey with UNC’s Mekhi Ashford. A senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ashford joined SZN Opener host Rodney Rikai to talk about discovering his love for ice hockey while growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. Also in this episode, Ashford discussed his unconventional path to playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels and how he is leveraging NIL (name, image and likeness) opportunities as ice hockey grows in popularity.

The Atlanta native discovered hockey early on

Growing up in Atlanta, Ashford went to his first hockey game at around age seven. “I got invited to a game. When I saw them play, I was like, this is different, it looks like a lot of fun. They’re my best friends to this day. They’re also Black players like me,” he said. “I begged my mom and dad to let me try, and they finally gave in.”

He started out playing roller hockey, getting good enough to start a travel roller hockey team called the Junior Gladiators. ​​“The coolest thing about the team” was how diverse it was, Ashford said. Around age 10, he transitioned to ice hockey. The young athlete realized he was a standout in the sport in middle school. “Once I was able to get into the AA and AAA tier teams and start playing against those kids, I knew that I was able to hang with some of the top kids in the country,” he said.

Ashford was about to quit hockey when he was invited to play for the Tar Heels

Ashford’s path to UNC was not through recruitment, like most college athletes. “I didn’t get recruited to play there. I was going to stop playing, like okay I’ve had enough, especially because sometimes I felt out of place playing. But then I got into the school and somehow I got in contact with the coach. He told me to come up and skate, and that’s how I ultimately got on the team.”

He stays active in the community as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha

Ashford discussed being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and what drew him to the storied organization. “I won the Alpha scholarship coming out of high school. I didn’t think too much of it til I got to campus, and all the Alphas around me were doing the most for the campus and the school. Seeing that, I was like wow, I want to make the impact that they’re having on me and I want to do that for the people that come after me.”

Monetizing name, image and likeness as a student-athlete

Rikai and Ashford discussed NIL opportunities, the policy that enables student-athletes to monetize their personal brand. “I have had a couple people reach out recently,” said Ashford. “I feel like in the future, it’s going to start popping off a lot more. Because people are realizing that there’s a community that loves hockey, and the more that people see it, they’re like, there’s money here for both sides.”

Ice hockey is coming up in popularity in the South, and North Carolina is no exception. UNC’s own ice hockey program is evolving in a big way. UNC Hockey will be elevated to Division 1 status in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) starting in the 2025-2026 season, complete with a brand-new 2,000-seat arena.

Ashford admitted that he could be doing more to capitalize on this window of opportunity as an elite Black college hockey player. “I need to get my media presence up,” he said.

Rikai drove the point home, underscoring the massive potential he sees for Ashford if he effectively leverages the unique position he is in. “You’re an anomaly,” said Rikai. “And in these times, the people who have stories that are so different than the rest of society, the people who are existing in places and spaces in which people that look like them normally have not, are benefitting so crazy.”

Catch the full conversation with Mekhi Ashford above. Listen to this episode of SZN Opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform.

About the ‘SZN Opener’ podcast

The SZN Opener podcast spotlights Black college athletes and their inspiring stories of hard work, character, and excellence. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality, producer, and filmmaker, Rodney Rikai, listen in as they share their triumphs and challenges, while navigating demanding schedules and planning for careers beyond graduation. With focus and dedication, these multifaceted college athletes embody excellence from the classroom to the playing field. Tune in to SZN Opener and discover more on CassiusLife.com.