Ivory Latta Returns to UNC Women’s Basketball as Senior Coaching Staff — A Legend Reunites with Chapel Hill
One of the most iconic figures in North Carolina women’s basketball history is coming home. Ivory Latta, the electrifying former Tar Heel point guard and fan favorite, has officially rejoined the UNC Women’s Basketball program as part of the senior coaching staff — marking a triumphant return that blends legacy, leadership, and heart.
Latta’s name is etched in Tar Heel lore for good reason. From 2003 to 2007, she was the heartbeat of a powerhouse UNC squad, dazzling fans with her lightning-quick handles, fearless three-point shooting, and contagious energy. A two-time All-American, 2006 National Player of the Year, and the program’s all-time leading scorer at the time of her graduation, Latta didn’t just play the game — she electrified it.
Now, nearly two decades later, she returns to the very court where she became a household name — this time, to shape the next generation of Tar Heel greatness.
> “Chapel Hill is home. It always has been,” Latta said in her official statement. “The opportunity to come back and pour into these young women, to be a part of building something special again — it’s a dream come true.”
Latta’s return comes at a pivotal moment for the program. Under head coach Courtney Banghart, UNC is on the rise, with an exciting mix of young talent and seasoned leadership aiming to restore the program to national prominence. Bringing in a figure like Latta — who embodies everything it means to wear Carolina blue — is a move that blends basketball savvy with deep cultural significance.
Coach Banghart welcomed Latta with open arms, calling her “a generational talent, an elite competitor, and an incredible role model.”
> “Ivory doesn’t just understand the game — she understands what it means to be a Tar Heel,” Banghart said. “Her leadership, passion, and experience at every level of basketball are going to elevate this program in every way.”
After her decorated college career, Latta spent over a decade in the WNBA, primarily with the Washington Mystics, earning two All-Star selections and carving out a reputation as one of the league’s fiercest competitors. Off the court, she has been an advocate for youth sports, mental health awareness, and community empowerment — values that align perfectly with UNC’s holistic approach to student-athlete development.
As a member of the senior coaching staff, Latta is expected to play a major role in player development, mentorship, and recruiting — particularly with guards, where her expertise and inspiration will be invaluable.
For current players, having a legend like Latta on the sidelines isn’t just a boost — it’s a game-changer. Her presence will serve as a daily reminder of what’s possible when talent meets determination and when passion for the game is paired with love for the program.
Ivory Latta is more than just a Tar Heel legend — she’s a living legacy. And now, she’s back where it all began, ready to help guide the future of UNC Women’s Basketball with the same fire that made her a star. Chapel Hill just got its spark back.
