College Sports Established
1901
Location
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
College Name
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1953 – Present / ACC Conference
1921 - 1953 / Southern Conference
1894, 1901 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Tar Heels - For decades, the North Carolina Tar Heels have been one of the NCAA's most beloved and successful college basketball teams. But where did their nickname come from? The origin of this famous moniker dates back to a Civil War battle fought in 1863 near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
During that time, Confederate soldiers from North Carolina were known as "Tar Heels" because they often marched through tar pits during their marches. Legend has it that when these brave soldiers were asked why they kept marching despite being so tired and worn out, one soldier replied with a smile: “I’m sticking to my heels!” This phrase eventually became synonymous with any person or group who showed extraordinary courage under difficult circumstances—and thus was born the name for UNC's athletic teams: The Tar Heels.
The University of North Carolina officially adopted this nickname for its sports teams in 1922 after seeing its popularity spread throughout campus culture over previous decades. Since then, it has become an integral part of UNC athletics tradition—so much so that many fans proudly refer to themselves as “Carolina blue-blooded Tar Heel fanatics." It is also used by other schools across America (including Duke) as a sign of respect towards UNC's long legacy on and off the court!
Today you can find references to this iconic mascot everywhere around Chapel Hill, whether at sporting events or just walking around town - no matter what you do, there will always be someone wearing something bearing those two words – GoHeels!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 6
2017, 2009, 2005, 1993, 1982, 1957
Women's Basketball 1
1994
Football 0
Soccer 2
2011, 2001
- 1994
- 2000
- 2006
- 2005
- 2006
- 2017
-
Women’s Basketball NCAA Champions 1994
The 1994 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament featured 64 teams for the first time ever. The Final Four consisted of North Carolina, Purdue, Louisiana Tech, and Alabama, with North Carolina defeating Louisiana Tech 60–59 to win its first NCAA title on a 3-point shot by Charlotte Smith as time expired. The ball was inbounded with only 00:00.7 left on ... -
Another Women’s Soccer Victory
In 2000: The Tar Heels win their eighth national championship in women’s soccer by defeating UCLA 2-1 on a golden goal after a scoreless draw in the final under coach Anson Dorrance. They also make their first appearance in the Women’s College World Series in softball under coach Donna Papa, who has led them to six ACC titles and seven ... -
Tar Heels win their thirteenth national championship in women’s soccer
In 2006: Tar Heels win their thirteenth national championship in women’s soccer by defeating Notre Dame 2-1 on golden goal after a scoreless draw in the final under coach Anson Dorrance. -
The Tar Heels wins national championship in men’s basketball
In 2005: The Tar Heels win their sixth national championship in men’s basketball by defeating Illinois 75-70 in the final under coach Roy Williams, who had previously coached at Kansas for 15 seasons and led them to four Final Four appearances. -
Tar Heels wins national championship in women’s soccer
In 2006: The Tar Heels win their twelfth national championship in women’s soccer by defeating Notre Dame 2-1 on golden goal after a scoreless draw in the final under coach Anson Dorrance. -
Final Four Champions in 2017
The 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 68 teams playing in a single-elimination tournament to determine the men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college basketball national champion for the 2016–17 season. The 79th edition of the tournament began on March 14, 2017, and concluded with the championship game on April 3 at the University of Phoenix ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels have a long and storied history in NCAA sports. The team has been competing since the early 1900s and is one of the most successful teams in college sports. They have won six national championships, including three in men's basketball, two in women's soccer, and one in football. The rivalry with the North Carolina State Wolfpack has added to the excitement of their legacy. In addition to their success on the court or field, they boast some of the greatest players ever to play collegiate athletics, such as Michael Jordan and Vince Carter, who both starred for UNC during their careers.
The Tar Heels are known for having an incredibly passionate fanbase that follows them no matter where they go or what sport they are playing at any given time. This fan base is so dedicated that it was even featured prominently during ESPN’s “30 For 30” series when discussing how vital UNC basketball was to Chapel Hill residents throughout its entire history up until today; this speaks volumes about just how much people care about this team regardless of which sport it may be playing at any particular moment!
Overall, there can be no doubt that North Carolina Tar Heels Sports Team History NCAA deserves recognition as one of America’s premier college athletic programs with many significant accomplishments over its long existence – from winning multiple national championships across various sports all while maintaining a substantial following from fans everywhere! It shows why these athletes should always remain proud members of a prestigious institution like UNC!
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