Niners You Need to Know in 2026
“Niners to Know” is an annual series spotlighting UNC Charlotte alumni whose work captures the creativity, momentum and ambition of the Niner network. From competitive athletics and fan culture to media entertainment and business leadership, the series highlights individuals doing exciting and unique work across industries and communities.
Together, these stories reflect what makes Charlotte different: a city and a university fueled by innovation, hustle and the people who turn opportunity into impact.
Competitive Athletics
Elite and professional-level competition
Carolina Ascent
Why: A forward and professional athlete with Carolina Ascent, Macey Bader is helping grow women’s soccer while showing how Niners are shaping the future of the sport.
San Diego FC
Why: Playing as a defender (specifically, a center back) for San Diego FC, Ian Pilcher highlights how Niners are making their mark in the expanding world of professional soccer beyond Charlotte.
pro sprinter, Team USA medalist
Why: Representing UNC Charlotte on the world stage, Maya Singletary earned a silver medal with Team USA in the women’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Athletics Relays. She’s continuing her rise as a professional sprinter while aiming to qualify again for Team USA at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland and expanding her impact through athlete clinics.
Sports and Fan Culture
Where athletics, entertainment and audience engagement intersect
TopCats (Carolina Panthers)
Why: Haygan Hayes brings Niner pride to one of the biggest stages in professional sports, energizing fans and representing UNC Charlotte at the heart of NFL culture.
The Party Animals (Savannah Bananas)
Why: As an outfielder for the Savannah Bananas Party Animals, Reece Hampton blends athletic talent with performance, redefining how fans experience baseball.
professional wrestler
Why: Ryan Rembrandt brings Niner grit and showmanship into the ring, building a national following in professional wrestling through athleticism, performance and high-profile appearances with WWE and AEW.
Entertainment and Media
Creative platforms, storytelling and cultural influence
creator, “Danny Go!"
Why: Reaching millions of families nationwide, Daniel Coleman is shaping children’s entertainment beyond traditional media. “Danny Go!" was nominated for a Kids’ Choice Award in 2025, launched a national tour and released a toy line sold at Walmart.
vocalist and performer
Why: Named “one to watch” by SPIN, Victoria Ibek is gaining national attention for her genre-blending Afro-pop and R&B sound. She’s set to release new music that continues to push Niners into the contemporary music spotlight.
co-creator, Cost n’ Mayor
Why: As creative entrepreneurs, Marideth Telenko and her husband are making national impact through their Off-Broadway show “11 to Midnight" and their dance game, Make It Dance, sold at Walmart — showcasing how Niners turn interactive creativity into culture.
Business Leadership
Innovation, entrepreneurship and industry influence
SVP, Thyme Care
Why: A former student body president, Mark Lombardi embodies the University’s mission of access and opportunity. Now a leader in an innovative health care startup, Thyme Care, he pairs professional success with deep community engagement and philanthropic leadership.
CEO, Patagonia
Why: As CEO of Patagonia, Ryan Gellert exemplifies Niner leadership on a global scale — combining outdoor passion with decades of environmental advocacy to help redefine what responsible business can be.
founder, Matrix Marketing
Why: As founder of Matrix Marketing, Ryan Walker leads award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 brands while mentoring emerging leaders and supporting community initiatives, showing how Niners pair creative business leadership with lasting social impact.
Charlotte Business Journal 2025 40 Under 40 Nominees
UNC Charlotte alumni and faculty are being recognized for leadership and innovation in Charlotte’s business and research communities through the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 awards.
assistant county manager, Mecklenburg County
Why: Virginia Covill champions economic mobility and community opportunity with Leading On Opportunity, applying her psychology expertise to strategy and operations that strengthen access and impact across the region.
civil/site manager, Thomas & Hutton
Why: Matthew Kiker leads civil engineering efforts that shape Charlotte’s infrastructure and mentors emerging engineers, advancing both technical excellence and community outcomes.
founder and president, YourPartyOnline.com
Why: Fernando Mayoral brings entrepreneurial leadership to the local business scene as founder and president of YourPartyOnline.com, transforming event planning and contributing to Charlotte’s economic vibrancy. He was also selected as a 10 Under Ten Award recipient in 2025 and will be formally honored in February 2026.