Life is often times defined by numbers. The 21st century in particular has been driven by data. Just look at the research that goes into scouting in athletics. This is a positive development, but it does not tell the whole story.

Sometimes, life is about people. It is about relationships. It is about love and empathy. On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the University of North Carolina Department of Athletics and The Rams Club formally celebrated the 50th anniversary of women’s athletics on the varsity level at the University in a gala event at the building now called Carmichael Arena, although to many “old-timers” it will always be referred to at Carmichael Auditorium.

With several hundred Tar Heels in attendance, it was a night of remembrance, of reconnection with past friends, of the celebration of the love these individuals have for this unique university, the nation’s oldest state school, located in Chapel Hill, the most quintessential of American college towns.

Some history to start us out. In 1971-72, the University elevated seven sports to varsity level in association with the national passage of Title IX, which among its many features called for equality of sex-based athletic opportunities in grade school, high school and college athletics. Initially the seven varsity sports were housed in the Department of Health and Physical Education (now Exercise and Sport Science) under the supervision of legendary faculty member Dr. Carl Blyth. Over the next several years, UNC elevated another four sports to varsity level and in the late 1970s softball and soccer were added and then in the 1990s came lacrosse and rowing. The 1974-75 school year saw the programs brought under the aegis of the UNC Department of Athletics where it has been supervised by athletic directors Homer Rice, Bill Cobey, John Swofford, Dick Baddour and Bubba Cunningham over the past 45 plus years.

By the 1970s, Carolina’s undergraduate enrollment had started to tilt to a majority female student body. It seemed natural that Carolina would become a school that could succeed in the burgeoning business of collegiate women’s athletics. Save the Ivy League, UNC was ahead of the game in adding women’s programs and while it took a while for facilities and finances to completely catch up to championship levels, it was clear that UNC was the kind of place where women’s athletes could have great success.

Swimmers were winning national championships by 1976. Soccer won the first team championship in 1981. Field hockey, basketball, lacrosse and tennis have gone on to win team championships since that first title. Tennis, track and field, gymnastics and cross country have produced individual national champions. There have been national players of the year aplenty in numerous sports, including an amazing 19 in women’s soccer alone.

As part of the year-long celebration of the 50 years of women’s sports at UNC, Carolina Athletics and The Rams Club also chose 50 Champions of Carolina Women’s Athletics, bringing them to campus specifically for the event on April 23. This group included Tar Heel student-athletes, coaches, staff members and donors who have been, and continue to be, champions, legends and leaders. It was most diverse in terms of the different roles these individuals have played in the growth of the women’s program.

A committee of representatives from Carolina Athletics, The Rams Club and the University teamed up to nominate, discuss and ultimately choose the final 50 Champions from across all Carolina sports and units. It was both a difficult and fulfilling assignment for our committee, considering the women’s teams have won 40 of Carolina’s 56 team national championships and thousands of our female student-athletes have gone on to lead and give back in so many ways.

It was so heartwarming to see this group together at the April 23 event. The group included a current student-athlete of national player of the year status like field hockey’s Erin Matson. Current national champion coaches Anson Dorrance, Karen Shelton and Jenny Levy were there. Unfortunately, we have lost some of the most influential and legendary of our Champions – coaches like Dot Gunnells, Frances Hogan and Dennis Craddock.

Mia Hamm was there as a featured speaker as were Sue Walsh, Heather O’Reilly, Dr. Beth Miller and several others. Tremendous remarks were delivered by Cunningham, the chancellor and by Marson speaking on behalf of current athletes.

But if there was one aspect of this coming together of legends that warmed the heart of those of us who have been around here for decades (editor’s note I began my 43-year tenure in August of 1977), it was the goose bumps that came over the bodies of many attendees when we could be in the presence of the likes of Kitty Harrison (tennis), Jennifer Alley (basketball), C.B. Lehn (athletic trainer), Sylvia Hatchell (basketball), Frank Comfort (swimming), Bernadette McGlade (basketball), Cindy Parlow Cone (soccer) and the recently retired Derek Galvin (gymnastics).

The memories of the evening will linger with anyone who was lucky enough to be in attendance. This beloved university of ours runs deep to the core of our existence. Anyone who has experienced an autumn in Chapel Hill knows the feeling. It’s just a truly special place.

And these women and men, with their expertise, their exploits, their talent, has made it even more special. Carolina fans should never take what we have for granted. The facilities are great. The teams are championship caliber. But most of all it is about the people really. The smiles on the faces. The warmth of real family. The championship memories.

Hark The Sound.