UNC’s Sylvia Hatchell Wins 900th Game

Thirty-eight years of coaching women’s college basketball and Sylvia Hatchell has reached a milestone few coaches are priviledged to earn in their career’s: 900 victories.

Feb 3, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Sylvia Hatchell talks to North Carolina Tar Heels guard Brittany Rountree (11) on the sidelines against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Carmichael Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Hatchell is the third women’s basketball coach to achieve this milestone in history. It most definitely was not an easy feat and it came with multiple challenges along the way.

After the Lady Heels 80-52 victory against Boston College, it was finally official after weeks of chasing that 900th win.

At North Carolina, Hatchell has a 538–202 overall record with the Heels. She was 272-80 in 11 seasons at Francis Marion. In thirty-eight years of coaching she is 900–317 overall.

"“She hates to lose, but what she really loves is for the kids to win.” – Sammy Hatchell on his wife Sylvia."

She has won a national championship, eight ACC Tournament championships, and four ACC Regular Season championships. She also coached the US Women to Olympic gold in 1988.

Hatchell has been ACC Coach of the year on three occasions (97, 06, and 08) and has been voted National Coach of the Year twice (94 and 06).

At age 60, it seems Hatchell still have plenty of fuel to her fire. Hatchell is a defining figure of Carolina Basketball and Women’s Basketball.

Congratulations to Coach Hatchell and all of the Lady Heels for assisting her in reaching this milestone.