University of North Carolina Athletics
Black History Month Spotlight: Rhyan Creighton
February 26, 2024 | Women's Gymnastics
February marks Black History Month, an important time to remember and recognize the generations of Black Americans who have meant so much to our history while we also continue to have conversations about our present and future. Throughout the month of February, Carolina Gymnastics will be celebrating its staff members who play a critical role in supporting the team each day.Â
Rhyan Creighton is a graduate assistant athletic trainer at UNC. This is her first year in Chapel Hill, and her first season with the gymnastics team.
In Rhyan's own words, learn what Black History Month means to her and why representation is important.
What is your favorite memory of working with Carolina Gymnastics?
My favorite memory was my first road trip with the team to Pittsburgh. We played mini golf and we beat the other team…I was a major contributor :).
Â
What's something you've accomplished in your career that you're really proud of?
Being accepted into Carolina's graduate program. The athletic training program is very competitive, and being accepted into a program that would continue to help me grow in my skills as a clinician was a major accomplishment.
Â
What inspired you to pursue a career in college athletics?
I wanted to pursue a career in college athletics because I enjoy being a part of a team that gets to know you, and you have the privilege of watching someone grow into their values over four years.
Â
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, to me, means being my authentic self. I am proud of my Blackness and the accomplishments that people in my community have done for the advancement of Black success. But I think it's also important to shed light on the struggles and barriers that were put in place that made these historical facts and caused Black historical figures to become the "firsts."
Â
Why is it important to use Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate Black history and culture?
It is important to use Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate Black culture because there is power in the storytelling of the different cultures within the Black community and what has been accomplished to better the Black community.
Â
Who are some Black leaders or mentors who have inspired you?
Dr. Samar Long. She was the clinical coordinator while I was at Ohio State for undergrad and she was someone that always kept an eye out for me in finding opportunities for me to excel and pouring into other Black students. When you meet people like her, you can't help but want to pour into others that look like you and help bring them up.
Â
Why is representation in the workforce and community important?
Representation in the workplace and community is important because it allows equally Black and non-Black people to see the settings that Black people can exist in. Seeing Black women in positions of power in athletics was what encouraged me to pursue a career in athletic training. It's hard to imagine how I would have pursued this career without seeing that Black people could exist in support staff roles within athletics and not just as athletes.
Â
What does it mean to show up authentically in the workplace?
Showing up authentically in the workplace means showing up unapologetically as myself. It means being unapologetically Black and proud of how I present myself.
For additional resources and stories about Black History Month from UNC Athletics, click here.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Rhyan Creighton is a graduate assistant athletic trainer at UNC. This is her first year in Chapel Hill, and her first season with the gymnastics team.
In Rhyan's own words, learn what Black History Month means to her and why representation is important.
What is your favorite memory of working with Carolina Gymnastics?
My favorite memory was my first road trip with the team to Pittsburgh. We played mini golf and we beat the other team…I was a major contributor :).
Â
What's something you've accomplished in your career that you're really proud of?
Being accepted into Carolina's graduate program. The athletic training program is very competitive, and being accepted into a program that would continue to help me grow in my skills as a clinician was a major accomplishment.
Â
What inspired you to pursue a career in college athletics?
I wanted to pursue a career in college athletics because I enjoy being a part of a team that gets to know you, and you have the privilege of watching someone grow into their values over four years.
Â
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, to me, means being my authentic self. I am proud of my Blackness and the accomplishments that people in my community have done for the advancement of Black success. But I think it's also important to shed light on the struggles and barriers that were put in place that made these historical facts and caused Black historical figures to become the "firsts."
Â
Why is it important to use Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate Black history and culture?
It is important to use Black History Month as an opportunity to celebrate Black culture because there is power in the storytelling of the different cultures within the Black community and what has been accomplished to better the Black community.
Â
Who are some Black leaders or mentors who have inspired you?
Dr. Samar Long. She was the clinical coordinator while I was at Ohio State for undergrad and she was someone that always kept an eye out for me in finding opportunities for me to excel and pouring into other Black students. When you meet people like her, you can't help but want to pour into others that look like you and help bring them up.
Â
Why is representation in the workforce and community important?
Representation in the workplace and community is important because it allows equally Black and non-Black people to see the settings that Black people can exist in. Seeing Black women in positions of power in athletics was what encouraged me to pursue a career in athletic training. It's hard to imagine how I would have pursued this career without seeing that Black people could exist in support staff roles within athletics and not just as athletes.
Â
What does it mean to show up authentically in the workplace?
Showing up authentically in the workplace means showing up unapologetically as myself. It means being unapologetically Black and proud of how I present myself.
For additional resources and stories about Black History Month from UNC Athletics, click here.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
MBB: Post-VCU Press Conference
Friday, March 20
WBB: Harris, Nivar, Banghart - Pre-Western Illinois Press Conference - March 19, 2026
Thursday, March 19
UNC Baseball: Heels Earn Midweek W Over Spartans, 8-2
Wednesday, March 18
MBB: Trimble, Veesaar & Davis Pre-VCU Press Conference
Wednesday, March 18