University of North Carolina Athletics

2024-25 Tar Heel Global Ambassador Class Reflects On Memorable Opportunity
October 10, 2025 | General, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina Athletics was proudly represented by eight standout student-athletes during the 2024-25 academic year's third annual Tar Heel Global Ambassadors program. The group gathered together on Thursday evening for a celebratory dinner, sharing memories and reflecting on the trip.
Thanks to the generosity of two Rams Club donors - the families of Edward and Charles Wilkins -Â the Tar Heel Global Ambassadors Fund was established in 2022 with a visionary goal;Â to create global learning opportunities for Carolina student-athletes through study abroad programs tailored to their demanding athletic schedules. The fund provides access to international educational experiences and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many student-athletes.
"The University of North Carolina offers a comprehensive academic program for student-athletes; coaches teach athletes the rules of play, but we believed a global awareness of diversity for student-athletes would enhance their college experiences and their connection with an evolving real world," Charles and Mary Lillie Wilkins said.
Track & Field student-athlete Jaylen Marsh got the opportunity to study abroad in England. "As a first-generation college student, this experience was more than just an academic opportunity," Marsh exclaimed. "It was a life-changing journey that opened my eyes to a world I might never have seen otherwise. From riding the Tube to eating fish and chips, I will forever cherish these moments and hope to one day pay it forward for those coming after me."
Anna Kate Gwiazdowski, a member of the rowing team, traveled to Lisbon, Portugal. "My experience abroad was transformative in so many ways, but the highlight was absolutely studying the Portuguese language at a local university," Gwiazdowski said. "I was amazed by how quickly my speaking skills improved. Studying abroad gave me perspective, but it also gave me confidence, independence and a renewed sense of self. I know I'll carry what I learned in Portugal for the rest of my life, not just the language skills, but the life skills too."
"The diversity of locations and experiences shared by the student-athletes thus far have confirmed our hopes and expectations," The Wilkins' families said. "Participants have become ambassadors for the University with a heightened global conscience and an appreciation for cultural diversity, as well as establishing friendships, experiences and adventures in foreign countries. We are proud of Cricket Lane's leadership of the Global Ambassadors Scholarship Program and look forward to its continued success."
Vivian Stovall, also from the Track & Field team, spent her semester in Italy. "This experience not only deepened my appreciation for other cultures, but also inspired me to think about how I want to incorporate global perspectives into my future education and career," Stovall said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to study abroad in Italy this summer through the Tar Heel Global Ambassadors program. It allowed me to learn in ways I never could have in a traditional classroom setting and truly broadened my perspective."
Max Martin, from the wrestling team, also studied in Portugal. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to study abroad, it was truly the best month I've ever had," Martin said. "This was my first time leaving the country and I experienced so many new things, from surfing on the coast to exploring Lisbon's streets with my camera for class projects. I also enjoyed the country's love for soccer, which helped me feel even more connected to the culture. I met people from around the world who became close friends and even made a local friend during a bike tour. These experiences opened my eyes to new perspectives and gave me memories I'll carry with me forever."
Haley Carver, a women's lacrosse standout, studied abroad in London, England. "Studying abroad in London over the summer was an incredible and rewarding experience," Carver said. "I learned so much about myself during my month abroad, while immersing myself in the culture and history of the city. I initially saw it as a chance to earn credit toward my business degree, not realizing just how much I would truly gain from the experience. It was so much more than I expected. I'm very excited to bring what I've learned back to Carolina Athletics and the women's lacrosse team."
Cade Tenold, also from the wrestling team, ventured to Sevilla, Spain. "This experience has changed the way I view my day-to-day life, as well as my outlook on the world as a whole," Tenold said. "This trip was the experience of a lifetime."
Delea Martins, a Track & Field team member, studied in Barcelona, Spain. "I was able to experience so many incredible things," Martins said. "From eating fresh pasta and exploring fashion, one of my greatest passions, in Florence, Italy, to riding camels deep into the Sahara Desert with some of the most amazing people I met in Barcelona. Each day was an adventure. Barcelona, especially, stole my heart. It's the most beautiful city I've ever been to, I discovered a place I would love to call home one day. I built friendships, gained new perspectives and fulfilled a dream I never thought would be possible."
Mia Smotritsky, the final member of the cohort, is on the fencing team and spent her time in Montpellier, France. "I had the best time and met such amazing people," Smotritsky said. "We even took a weekend trip to Spain. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture, make incredible friends and try new foods. I think this program is an amazing opportunity that opens doors for athletes, and I'm incredibly grateful for it."
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