CHAPEL HILL – She's been the face and leader of the one of the most iconic basketball programs for more than 30 years, and in December UNC Head Women's Basketball Coach Sylvia Hatchell went down in the history books as the most winning coach in her sport in ACC history.

Coach Hatchell sat down with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair for a two part discussion on her long-time career, incomparable list of accomplishments, how far the game has come, and what more needs to be done to improve women’s roles in college sports.

When you look at Coach Hatchell’s career, there are very few who even remotely compare. On December 14, Coach Hatchell broke the all-time record for ACC women’s basketball, pulling in her 742 career win against Blair’s former team, the UNCG Lady Spartans.

In her 33rd year at the helm of the Tar Heels, Hatchel now stands with 1,014 career women, the fourth most in women’s basketball history. And her accomplishments race on, a Naismith Basketball hall of Fame inductee, Coach Hatchell has 8 ACC Tournament Championships and 3 national championship titles, 2 at Francis Marion and 1 at UNCG.

Coach Hatchell says the play and skill level has improved over the years, but unfortunately the amount of women coaches in the game is on the decline. She says it’s a problem that all women’s college sports are facing, less and less women at the helm. That’s why Hatchell is proposing a new apprenticeship program to the NCAA, in hopes of creating entry level positions to help women get started in the field.

Through her accomplishments, Hatchell has faced her fair share of adversities. She has battled and beat cancer, now more than 5 years in remission. She’s also faced adversity on the court with tough records and placings in the league. But the dedicated coach says her team is playing in close games against the best teams in the country, and she’s feeling energized and ready to take on the game for years to come.

If you would like to see the Lady Tar Heels play, they have a number of upcoming games and ways you can get involved. 

  • January 27 vs. Notre Dame: National Girls and Women In Sports Day 
  • February 7 vs. Duke: Black Out and The Office Night 
  • February 17 vs Virginia: Alumni Day and celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the 1994 National Championship Team and Super Hero Day where we are honoring local “Super Heroes”
  • February 24 vs NC State: Senior Day and Play4Kay

For time and ticket information, visit UNC Women's Basketballs website.