For the last few weeks, trouble has surrounded UNC women’s basketball head coach, Sylvia Hatchell. In fact, earlier this month she was placed on administrative leave while the university conducted an investigation.
Hatchell had been under investigation after there was concern raised from players and others, stating she was making inappropriate racial remarks toward her team. She was also accused of making players play through serious injuries.
Late Thursday night, Hatchell announced her resignation after the conclusion of the investigation.
The Tar Heels athletic director, Bubba Cunningham stated the following on the news:
“The University commissioned a review of our women’s basketball program, which found issues that led us to conclude that the program needed to be taken in a new direction. It is in the best interests of our University and student-athletes for us to do so. Coach Hatchell agrees, and she offered her resignation today. I accepted it. We appreciate her 33 years of service to Carolina and to the community, and we wish her the best. Our focus now is on conducting a search for a new head coach who will build on our great Carolina traditions and promote a culture of excellence.”
Hatchell had coached at North Carolina since 1986 and currently is the fourth winningest coach in NCAA women’s basketball history. She has a national title under her belt from 1994 and has the most wins in the ACC with 1,023 victories overall (751 with the Tar Heels).
“It has been the great honor and privilege of my life to coach at the University of North Carolina,” Hatchell said in a statement. “I want to thank John Swofford for giving me my dream job 33 years ago. The University will always hold a special place in my heart. The game of basketball has given me so much, but now it is time for me to step away.”
