Fayetteville, NC – The Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics will induct seven former student-athletes and the 1979 CIAA Women's Basketball Champions into its 2022 Hall of Fame, as selected by the Hall of Fame Executive Committee. The induction banquet will be held on Friday, October 7 at noon inside the Lilly Gymnasium.

Chairman Stephen Sims and the committee have bestowed lifetime achievements to Edward Jefferson Jr., Class of '80 (men's basketball); Jeffrey Dunovant, Class of '87 (golf); Terrance Smith, Class of '90 (football); Sedrick Utley, Class of '95 (football); Rickita Mays, Class of '05 (softball); Arie Bennett, Class of '07 (women's tennis); Kiara Reid, Class of '13 (bowling); and the 1979 Women's CIAA Basketball Champions: Veronica Monroe, Janice Lyons, Jessie Elmore, Katrina Owens, Dianthia Morris, Katrina Bullock, Valeria Watson, Saundra Barns, Angela Newsome, Helen Smith, Nelda Cox, Louella Horne, Dora Jones, Stephanie Settle, Mamie Mitchell, Head Coach Maceo Smith, and Assistant Coach Robert (Bobby) Henderson.

The purpose of the Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor individuals who achieved excellence through participation in intercollegiate athletics at Fayetteville State University or as a coach, administrator, or special individual who made demonstrably outstanding and significant contributions to FSU's athletics program.

1979 CIAA Women's Basketball Championship Team

In 1978, Maceo Smith took the reins of head coach of the women's basketball program from Cleophus Hatcher. With Robert 'Bobby' Henderson as an assistant coach, the Broncos won 12 of their final 14 regular season games and the university's first CIAA Women's Basketball title.

As the CIAA Southern Division's third seed, Fayetteville State defeated the No. 2 seed of the North, Norfolk State University 74-72. On the campus of Elizabeth City State University, the Broncos battled back from a 37-28 halftime deficit for the win. Bullock and Morris led the way with 23 and 22 points, respectively. Newsome scored 16 while Owens added 13 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots.

In the following round, FSU knocked down nationally ranked Winston-Salem State University. The double-overtime contest was everything one would expect in the rivalry between the Rams and Broncos. Fayetteville State struggled through the first half. A bucket by Dianthia Morris with four seconds left in regulation would knot the game and send it to overtime. The Rams would respond in the extra period to require a second overtime stanza. Katrina Bullock, who led the team in scoring with a season-high 32 points, tallied the final four points of the game to upset Winston-Salem State 88-84 and advance the Broncos to the championship game. Morris finished with 22 points and Owens contributed 19 points and 26 rebounds.

In the championship game against Virginia State, Fayetteville State had to battle from a half-time deficit once again. Bullock's offense and Owens' rebounding and shot-blocking gave the Broncos a needed second-half surge that led to a 63-61 victory over the Trojans.

Bullock and Owens each scored 19 points. Owens was named CIAA Tournament MVP after finishing the tournament averaging 16.6 points per game and 23.6 rebounds for the three-day affair. For the season, she led the team with 22.8 ppg and 20.8 RPG. Freshman Dianthia Morris finished with 17.7 points while senior Angela Newsome contributed 17.4. Freshman Katrina Bullock averaged 10 points coming off the bench as a non-starter.

Newsome and Morris were named to the All-CIAA Team following the regular season.

"This championship happened because each player contributed by playing their role within the team," said Head Coach Maceo Smith. "We pushed each other, cheered for each other, but most of all believed in each other.

Our coach's motto was: 'Only the strong survive and nobody can beat you when you work hard.' We were strong, worked hard, and survived to bring home the covenant prize – the 1979 CIAA Women's Basketball Tournament Trophy."

The Broncos ended the season with a 21-8 overall record after competing in the National Association of Women's Sports National Tournament at Hampton University on March 13, 1979.

Edward Jefferson - Men's Basketball

Edward Jefferson, Jr. played basketball for two seasons at Greenville County Senior High School in Emporia, VA from 1974-7976. The area phenom set records in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He also set a school record of 61 consecutive free throws made. In his senior season, Jefferson averaged 29.98 points per game and was a two-time Virginia High School League MVP. He scored a season-high 48 points in the game against Saint Paul's College junior varsity team and had 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and a perfect 15-of-15 from the free throw line.

Ed Jefferson received an academic and athletic scholarship in 1976 to attend Fayetteville State University. Named to the All-CIAA team as a sophomore, Jefferson averaged 21.7 points per game to finish third in scoring for the conference. In 1979, he scored 20 or more points in 13 games and double figures in 21 out of 25 games. Edward averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shot 53.8% from the field and 63.6% from the free throw line. In his senior campaign, Ed averaged 24.3 points with 632 points scored, averaged 7.7 rebounds, and shot 54.2% from the field and 79.4 from the line. He was the leading scorer in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1978-79 and 1979-80.

Edward Jefferson finished his collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer for FSU with 30.1 points per game over four seasons. He was also a three-time All-CIAA performer, a two-time NAIA Most Valuable Player, a CIAA MVP, and was recognized for NAIA All-District honors in 1980.

After matriculating at FSU, Jefferson pursued a career in transportation in Norfolk, Virginia. He is married to a fellow alum, Betty, and are the proud grandparents of three.

Jeffrey Dunovant - Golf

Jeffrey Dunovant graduated from West Carrollton High School in Dayton, Ohio where he played football and basketball. His preferred sport of choice was golf. His father, Harold Dunovant, was considered a pioneer of "Black Golf" and was one of the first black men to earn his Professional Golfers Association (PGA) membership.

Jeff accepted a scholarship from Dr. Ralph Burns in 1983 to play golf at Fayetteville State University. Under two different head coaches, William Spencer and Dr. Moses Walker, FSU won back-to-back CIAA Championships in 1985 and '86. Dunovant earned First Team All-CIAA honors each year of his participation. In 1987, the team captain shot a 152 in the CIAA Championship to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team and FSU's MVP honors. Jeffrey Dunovant was recognized as a National Minority Collegiate Championship (also known as the PGA Works Championship) All-American in 1987.

Jeff earned his Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) in 1993, making him and his father the first and currently the only black father and son PGA members. The duo also shares the honor of being the first and only black father and son "Quarter Century Members" of the PGA.

Currently, Jeff serves as the Director of Golf Operations for the First Tee Metro Atlanta & John A. White Park Golf Course. He also serves as the Chairman & President of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. The National Black Golf Hall of Fame was established in 1986 by his late father Harold Dunovant. Since his father's death in 2002 Jeff has continued his father's legacy with the Hall of Fame. He has dedicated his career to servicing the golf industry and Junior golfers. He has served on the Southwest and Georgia Section Board of Directors. Jeff is now serving on the National PGA Junior League golf Committee and is a First Tee National Trainer.

Jeff has received many honors and accolades during his career as a PGA member. In 2001 he was the Southwest Section Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2012 he was the North Chapter AND Georgia Section Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2015 he was the Georgia PGA Section Player Development Award winner. In 2018 he was named Merchandiser of the Year (Public Golf Course) in the Georgia Section. Again, in 2019 Jeff was the North Chapter Junior Golf Player Development Award winner. In 2021 Jeff was honored with the Georgia PGA Presidents Award.

He has been coaching the Drew Charter High School golf team since its inception in 2015. In 2019 the Drew Charter High School boys' team won the Georgia High School State Golf Championship, becoming the first school in history to win a State Golf Championship with all black players and coaches in the country. Jeff is married to Marie, and they have three children: Marshall, Kendall & Sydni, and one grandchild Idris Jr.

Terrance Smith - Football

Terrance Smith, a Fayetteville native who was a three-sport athlete at Pine Forest High School, was recruited on a football scholarship where he studied physical education. After two seasons on special teams, Smith earned a starting role on defense and became the 1989 and 1990 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-CIAA Defensive Team.

He finished the 1989 season with 132 total tackles (82 solo and 50 assisted) with 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of 21 yards. He had four sacks for 36 yards, a blocked a kick, and a pass breakup.

The 1990 team captain earned the 4th Annual Port City Classic MVP honors and Kodak All-American honors.

After working with Cumberland County and the State of North Carolina, Terrance has owned and operated a trucking company with his wife, Crystal, for the past 24 years. They currently reside in Knightdale, North Carolina, and have a son, Omar, who graduated and played football for Hampton University.

Sedrick Utley - Football

Sedrick Utley is a 1995 graduate of Fayetteville State University with a degree in Business Administration (Marketing). The Midway, NC native and former football and track & field standout at Pinecrest High School played football as a wide receiver for the Broncos.

Under Head Coach Jerome Harper, Utley had a stellar athletic career as a wide receiver from 1992 through 1995 with 107 receptions for 1,782 yards. He scored a total of 14 touchdowns. He averaged 16.8 yards per reception.

In his 1992 season, Sedrick racked up 202 receiving yards against Norfolk State when the Broncos defeated the Spartans 32-23 in Norfolk, Va. He finished the year with 16 receptions for 314 yards and a touchdown. Utley doubled his performance during his sophomore season with 32 catches and a total of 503 yards with three touchdowns.

In 1994 against Winston-Salem State University, he had nine receptions for an FSU single-game record of 239 yards and three touchdowns. Sedrick finished that season with 35 catches for 710 yards and five touchdowns. He ranked third in points scored (30) that season for the Broncos behind Clifton Davis (52) and Robert Harrington (32).

As a senior in 1995, Sedrick played in all ten games and finished with 23 receptions for 255 yards with one touchdown.

After college Sedrick went on to pursue a career in retail management with Walmart Inc. He has held several positions within the company during his twenty-six years. He is currently a Market Manager in Jacksonville Florida where he resides with his wife Jessica and two daughters (Layla and Lauren).

Rickita Mays - Softball

Rickita Mays, a native of Cameron, North Carolina, lettered in softball, basketball, and volleyball at Western Harnett High School. She received numerous honors that led to a chancellor's and softball scholarship at Fayetteville State University.

Rickita began her collegiate experience as a member of the 2001 volleyball team.

In her freshman softball campaign, Mays made an immediate impact in 33 games played as a shortstop and finished with a .350 batting average. She had 30 runs and 35 hits from 100 at-bats. She batted four home runs, seven doubles, and four triples. Rickita stole 11 bases and had 29 runs batted in with a .620 slugging percentage. She registered a .800 fielding percentage which led to her being named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team.

Fayetteville State finished 22-14 after her sophomore season in 2003. Mays played in 35 games and had 107 at-bats. She connected on 31 hits and had 33 runs with 69 total bases. Rickita finished with a record-setting 10 home runs, 3 triples, and 2 doubles. All her hits contributed to 39 RBI. Once on base, Mays stole a total of 17 bases.

In her junior season, Mays' batting improved to .404 after 38 games played. She had 67 total bases from 114 at-bats. Out of her 46 hits, Rickita knocked 7 doubles, 4 triples, and 2 home runs. She also hit in 32 runners and had 16 stolen bases.

Mays' final season resulted in 36 games and a slugging percentage of .735. She had 75 total bases from 102 at-bats. Rickita accounted for 40 hits, 40 runs, and 33 runners batted in. Out of the hits, she had 8 doubles, 6 triples, and 5 homers.

Rickita Mays was named to the 2003 and 2004 CIAA All-Tournament Team.  Amongst the softball program, she earned the Outstanding Rookie Award in 2002 and the team's MVP and Academic Excellence Awards in '03. In 2004, Mays was awarded the Offensive Player Award.

Mays graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. Post-graduation, she worked as a teacher assistant at Harnett County Schools before transitioning to Nash-Rocky Mount as social studies teacher and coach. Rickita became a police officer with the Southern Pines Police Department in 2011 and transferred to the Lee County Sheriff's Office in 2014 to become a school resource officer. Eight years later, she advanced to a sergeant within the SRO Division and was a 2019 North Carolina School Resource Officer of the Year nominee.

In 2019, Mays graduated from Liberty University with a Master's in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic psychology. She will complete her Doctorate in Law and Policy from Liberty in 2024.

Rickita currently resides in Cameron with her mom, Gail Mays; a 2013 FSU Hall of Famer, and her son, KeShaun. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and attends Johnsonville AME Zion Church.

Arie Bennett - Tennis

Arie Bennett has had a passion for tennis since the age of ten in St. Louis, Missouri, thanks to M.A.T.C.H (Midwest Association of Tennis Charites). The four-year varsity tennis player and two-year swimmer at Hazelwood East High School became a Bronco at Fayetteville State University in 2003.

At the conclusion of her freshman season, Bennett was named the 2004 CIAA Rookie of the Year and All-Conference performer, and All-Tournament Team after leading FSU to a third consecutive CIAA Championship. Through the matriculation of her undergraduate years, Arie helped the Broncos win a total of three conference titles (2004, 2005, and 2007). Bennet won the 2006 and 2007 Singles Championship and the 2005 and 2007 Doubles title with Dana Maynor and Contessa Sanchez, respectively. She was a four-time All-Conference performer from 2004 through 2007.

After graduating in December of 2007 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in banking and finance, Arie Bennett returned to FSU as the head coach of the tennis program from 2010 through 2013. During this span, she coached the 2011 CIAA Rookie of the Year, Varice Love, who was also a two-time all-conference player under Bennett.

In 2015, Bennett relocated back to Missouri after obtaining her Master's in Healthcare Management at Jones International University. She started her career at Barnes Jewish Christian Medical Network, which is the largest medical network in Missouri and Illinois. There she was featured among top healthcare workers by numerous local media outlets.

Arie moved to Houston, Texas to further her healthcare career in July of 2022. She donates a great deal of time to local organizations such as Girl Scouts of America, Home STL, and many more. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013, Arie has set a mission to stand in the gap with others who have also been diagnosed with MS. She encourages and lends hope to those currently in the height of their battle. She has an event planning business, Events by Arie, LLC, and promotes self-care in the process of getting her second business going, Tranquil Bath Salts.

Arie is a champion, both on the tennis court and in the court of life, with her daughter – Amaya.

Kiara Reid - Bowling

Kiara Reid began bowling at the age of nine at the Bowling Center, in her native town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. After graduation, she attended Fayetteville State University on a bowling scholarship under Head Coach Robert Henderson.

Kiara made an immediate impact with the program with multiple CIAA Rookie Bowler of the Week honors.

In 2012, she helped the Broncos win its second consecutive CIAA Bowling Championship after she bowled her way to the All-CIAA Team, the All-Tournament Team, and Tournament MVP honors with the league's second-best scoring average. In the championship match, Reid picked up a 5-10 split to down Virginia State University. Reid was later named the Broncos' Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

She was also an all-conference performer in 2013. Earning her Bachelor of Science in Birth-Kindergarten Education and a Minor in Social Work in 2013, Kiara went on to work at Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville. After two years, she relocated to Wake County Public Schools where she won the 2019-21 Teacher of the Year accolade for her school. Within this year, she departed elementary education and currently works for a curriculum and assessment company and earned her master's degree in education with distinction from Capella University.

Kiara Reid resides in Garner, North Carolina, and continues as an active bowler in a league in Raleigh. She has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated since 2011.

For more information on the Fayetteville State Athletics Hall of Fame criteria, visit http://bit.ly/fsuhofbylaw.