North Carolina Tar Heels: My 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner Invites
![CHAPEL HILL, NC - APRIL 21: An aerial view of the University of North Carolina campus including Kenan Stadium (center), University of North Carolina Hospitals (upper right) and the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower (bottom right) on April 21, 2013 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) CHAPEL HILL, NC - APRIL 21: An aerial view of the University of North Carolina campus including Kenan Stadium (center), University of North Carolina Hospitals (upper right) and the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower (bottom right) on April 21, 2013 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6b731455f5b7dfb6448fcec282881cc4b7f3d0a5a2599f110c94f5f3bdc284a8.jpg)
Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby
There was NO way I could’ve picked only one of these two student-athletes, so I decided to invite them both.
Let’s start with the “Queen” Deja Kelly. The senior guard is absolutely CRUSHING the world of NIL, as she has set an incredible example for how student-athletes (especially females) can profit off their name, image & likeness.
Side Note: got to give a shout-out to “Momma Kelly,” who goes above-and-beyond to help her daughter navigate this world of college athletics. If she’s reading this, she knows there’s always a spot at the table for her!
Having had the opportunity to interview Alyssa Ustby (one of the nicest human beings you’ll ever meet), I still have yet to find something that she can’t do.
This super-talented individual can “wow” us with her juggling skills or showcase her piano playing abilities, as she was someone who was at the top of the list to invite to this year’s dinner.
The hope is that a fifth year at North Carolina is coming for both, but in case there isn’t, let’s enjoy their company while they are still on campus.