The name “RAMMYs” for the University of North Carolina’s athletic awards is derived from the play on it’s mascot Ramses the Ram, and modeling the concept of a Grammy or ESPY-style event created to celebrate and recognize outstanding performances and achievements of Tar Heel student-athletes and teams throughout the year. The awards event, which began around 2013, uses the name “RAMMY” as a play on “Grammy,” reflecting its role as a prestigious and festive celebration within Carolina Athletics
In North Carolina Tar Heel news on April 28, 2025, Carolina Athletics held the 2025 RAMMY Awards at Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill to celebrate a year of outstanding athletic and academic achievements across all 28 varsity teams. Student-athletes, coaches, staff, band, and spirit squads gathered to honor championships, individual performances, and community service.
Highlights from the event included:
- Director of Athletics & NCAA Selection Committee Chair Bubba Cunningham’s “Swanky Digs”.
- Newcomer of the Year awards to baseball players Jason DeCaro and Luke Stevenson, women’s lacrosse’s Chloe Humphrey, and gymnast Jojo Valahovic.
- Olivia Thomas received two RAMMYs for Best Play (her game-winning goal in the 2024 Women’s Soccer National Championship) and Best Championship Performance.
- John Lotz Award went to Kiannah Pierce (softball) for overcoming adversity.
- Outstanding Individual Performance awards were given to David Ford (men’s golf) and Makayla Paige (women’s track & field).
- Best Upset was awarded to Eli Lippman for winning the ACC Men’s Fencing Championship as a nine-seed.
- Breakthrough Athlete awards went to Colton Sands (men’s track & field), Reniya Kelly (women’s basketball), and Safi Hampton (volleyball).
- Ethan Strand (men’s track & field) received Record Breaking Performance and Outstanding Athlete of the Year honors after setting NCAA mile records.
- Kate Faasse (women’s soccer) also earned Outstanding Athlete of the Year, highlighted by leading the team to its 23rd national title.
- The women’s soccer team won Outstanding Team for reclaiming the national championship.
- The McCaskill Award for excellence in athletics and community service was presented to RJ Davis (men’s basketball).
- Larry Gallo was honored with the Unsung Hero Award for decades of dedicated service to Carolina Athletics.
The event featured musical performances, t-shirt tosses, and a tribute to Tylee Craft, a beloved former football student-athlete who passed away in 2024. The night concluded with the playing of Hark the Sound and celebrations among the Tar Heel community.
What a night filled with fancy dressing and recognition of achievement!