Our Team
George Lynch
Founder of Flight-9 Academy and Co-Founder of HBCU HEROES.
NBA veteran and NCAA Champion, George Lynch is a seasoned college basketball coach.
He spent 12 years in the NBA after being a first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1993. A defensive force, Lynch was also the first rookie since Magic Johnson to score 30 points in a game.
He played for four NBA teams during his career (L.A. Lakers, Vancouver Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Hornets). After his playing career, he started Flight 9 Academy, a 501c3 and remained on the court where he served as Assistant Coach to Larry Brown at SMU.
He is passionate about helping his players develop critical experience, skill, and tools to support them in achieving lifetime success both on and off the court. George is a proud UNC-Chapel Hill Alum.
Tracey Pennywell
As a Co-Founder for HBCU HEROES, Pennywell spearheads sponsorships, marketing, social media and celebrity partnerships.
Leveraging her resources and expertise as digital strategist & CEO of Switch Media, Inc., a full-service social media agency, Pennywell has been nationally recognized for her online campaigns, exponentially increasing fanbase growth, and providing monetization for some of today's hottest entertainers.
Clients past & present include: DL Hughley, Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Rickey Smiley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kym Whitley, Chris Meloni, Universal Films, Lionsgate, Codeblack Entertainment and more. Tracey is a proud Alum UNC-Chapel Hill.