University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Brandy Mills to Receive 2026 Trailblazer Award at UNC Asheville Athletics' Our Turn to Play Scholarship Dinner
02.05.2026 | General
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — UNC Asheville Athletics is proud to announce that Brandy Mills, founder and executive coach at Brandy Mills Consulting, will be honored as the recipient of the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the annual Our Turn to Play Scholarship Dinner. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 28, in Kimmel Arena.
The Trailblazer Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have paved the way for others through leadership, service, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing women in athletics, education, and the broader community. Past honorees include influential leaders from across sectors who embody the spirit of empowerment and impact.
Brandy Mills is a dynamic leader, executive coach, and founder of Brandy Mills Consulting, where she partners with individuals, organizations, and teams to cultivate strong leadership, strategic growth, and meaningful change. Through her coaching and consulting work, Mills has helped countless professionals and communities define vision, overcome barriers, and achieve transformative success. Her work emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and empowerment and reflects a deep commitment to fostering inclusive leadership development and community engagement.
"We are honored to recognize Brandy Mills with this year's Trailblazer Award," said UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "Brandy's dedication to empowering others, her strategic leadership, and her commitment to elevating voices in our community truly reflect the values we celebrate at Our Turn to Play. She has made a significant impact locally and beyond, and we are thrilled to honor her inspiring contributions."
Our Turn to Play is UNC Asheville Athletics' signature scholarship dinner dedicated to supporting and celebrating women in collegiate athletics while raising scholarship funds for female student-athletes. The annual event brings together donors, alumni, student-athletes, and community leaders for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and community support.
In addition to the Trailblazer Award, the evening will feature keynote speaker Katie Meier, former Miami Hurricanes women's basketball head coach and accomplished leader in collegiate athletics, as well as emcee Debbie Antonelli, a renowned analyst and former Trailblazer Award recipient.
Individual tickets are $150, and table sponsorships are $1,500. To reserve your seat(s), please contact Donna Peek at dpeek@unca.edu or 828-232-5655.
