The North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the most iconic programs in college athletics. Known for excellence in North Carolina Tar Heels football and thrilling performances in Tar Heels basketball, they continue to attract top talent. With a talented Tar Heels roster, the program’s tradition of success and competitive spirit inspires fans nationwide.
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.
North Carolina Tar Heels Origin
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.
North Carolina Tar Heels History
The North Carolina Tar Heels have a rich and storied history in NCAA sports. Established in the early 1900s, the Tar Heels have become one of the most successful college teams in the United States. Over the decades, they have won six national championships across multiple sports, including three in Tar Heels basketball, two in women’s soccer, and one in North Carolina Tar Heels football. Their longstanding rivalry with the NC State Wolfpack adds even more excitement to their legacy. Legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Tyler Hansbrough have all proudly represented UNC, cementing the program’s reputation for producing elite talent.
The Tar Heels boast a loyal and passionate fanbase that follows every team on campus. Whether cheering for North Carolina Tar Heels football at Kenan Memorial Stadium or supporting the Tar Heels basketball program at the Dean Smith Center, fans have played a critical role in creating a home-court and home-field advantage that is recognized nationally. Their support has helped foster one of the most vibrant and energetic fan cultures in college athletics, featured prominently on ESPN and other major sports media outlets.
Beyond basketball and football, the Tar Heels excel in baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and track & field, making UNC a powerhouse across NCAA sports. The university emphasizes recruiting and developing a Tar Heels roster full of student-athletes who succeed both academically and athletically. This commitment has helped maintain the team’s competitive edge and ensured that every sport continues to perform at a high level year after year.
Tar Heels Achievements
The North Carolina Tar Heels football program has enjoyed numerous ACC championships, bowl appearances, and standout seasons that brought national recognition. Similarly, Tar Heels basketball continues to dominate NCAA tournaments, consistently reaching Final Fours and contending for national titles. These achievements highlight UNC’s commitment to excellence and the impressive legacy the program has built over more than a century.
Overall, the North Carolina Tar Heels represent the pinnacle of college athletics, combining championship success, iconic athletes, and an unmatched fan culture. Their storied history across football, basketball, and other sports showcases why UNC remains a cornerstone of NCAA competition, inspiring future generations of student-athletes and fans alike.
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