CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — When it comes to understanding the history of Carmichael Arena, former UNC women’s basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell knows a thing or two.
“I used to walk out on the floor and look around and think, man, I’m really coaching at the University of North Carolina,” Hatchell said.
Hatchell was born and raised in Gastonia and grew up loving the Tar Heels. She got her start in coaching at Francis Marion in Florence, South Carolina.
In 1986, she was named head coach at UNC. Carmichael Arena became Hatchell’s home away from home for 33 seasons.
She won eight ACC championships, made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, went to three Final Fours and won a national title in 1994.
“I just don’t know if I ever imagined this,” Hatchell said.
Between banners, retired jerseys and quotes, Hatchell’s legacy is painted all over Carmichael Arena.
“Playing at Carolina is an honor, winning at Carolina is a tradition,” is printed inside the building.
Hatchell says that quote is something she lived by during her time leading the Heels.
“Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina – if you’re not winning, it’s not a fun place to be,” she said. “Really!”
Seven hundred fifty one of Hatchell’s 1,023 career wins came during her time at UNC.
She says winning games in Carmichael is among her fondest memories.
“You can’t describe what it’s like to play a game in here and to win,” Hatchell said.
The future of UNC women’s basketball in Carmichael is unknown as the university explores options for the men’s program to either leave the Dean E. Smith Center or renovate. The women’s team would share the same home as the men’s team if UNC decides to invest in a renovation or a new arena.
Hatchell believes home court advantage is one of the many things that sets Carmichael apart from other college basketball venues in the nation.
“I don’t know of a building that has more stories than Carmichael does,” she said.
No matter where UNC women’s basketball goes, Carmichael Arena will always be the place where many of Hatchell’s dreams came true.
“I love the game. I love the people. I miss the relationships,” she said. “When I think of my 33 years of coaching, Carmichael is so, so special.”
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Kate Rogerson
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