Fayetteville State University Athletics

Gail (Cameron) Mays, a native of Cameron, North Carolina, was a graduate of Benhaven High School. While attending Benhaven, Mays played basketball and softball. She was recruited to play basketball for Fayetteville State University.

Mays played forward for the women's basketball program from 1972-1976. She was named team captain for all four years.  In 1973, the Broncoettes were undefeated with 16 straight wins. Mays led her team to claim the 1973 Elizabeth S. Dowdy Invitational Tournament Title. She was named the tournament's "Most Valuable Player." 

The 1974-75 season was the first year in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for women's basketball. Mays was named the 1975 CIAA Player of the Year and to the CIAA All-Tournament Team. She was awarded the "Most Valuable" honors for Women's Basketball at the FSU Athletic Banquet. 

During the 1976 regular season, Mays shot a total of 54 points to lead the Broncos to a 107-104 victory in overtime against Winston-Salem State. 

Due to some tragedies, Mays left school and did not come back to FSU until 1987. In 1989, Mays graduated from FSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Recreation. 

After graduation, she entered graduate school at FSU to obtain her Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Science. During her time as a graduate student, Mays became the assistant coach for FSU's softball program.

In 2000, Mays became the head coach for the Broncos softball team. During her six seasons as head coach, Mays led her team to eight CIAA Tournament appearances and two Championship appearances. Her 2001 team brought home the CIAA Championship Title and went to place sixth at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals. Mays was named the 2001 CIAA Coach of the Year. She was able to coach her daughter, Rickita Mays, for all four years.

In 2013, Gail Mays was inducted into the Fayetteville State University Athletic Hall of Fame.