CAROLINA ON OUR MIND HAP P ENIN G S AT U N C
E nd of an Era Readers share their favorite Roy Williams memories after the longtime UNC men’s basketball coach retired on April 1
“G
rowing up in Chapel Hill, it wasn’t unusual to have a Coach Williams sighting. I’ve sat next to Roy at the DMV, shared a bar with him at Top of the Hill [Restaurant & Brewery] and exchanged ‘hellos’ at the grocery store. My favorite moment, though, was when our worlds collided back when I was in high school at Chapel Hill High [School]. He was recruiting Isaiah Hicks at the time, and my high school basketball team was playing Isaiah’s in a state playoff game. Naturally, word got out that Coach Williams and some of his starters would be at the game, so there wasn’t an empty bleacher in sight. He met every starry-eyed high schooler and parent alike with his friendly smile and didn’t mind the paparazzi attempts, even when the camera was just a flip phone with questionable quality. Thank you for all you have done for our wonderful university and for the town we call home.” – L E A H KO M A DA, C H H S C lass 201 2 a n d UNC Class o f 2 016
[We ran into Roy while] he was visiting his daughter in Concord, North Carolina. She was a neighbor of the Claris family. [My grandson] Crosby’s parents are both NC State grads, but all four of his grandparents are UNC alumni.” – G AY L E C L A R I S
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chapelhillmagazine.com
May/June 2021
Several years ago, I worked as a nanny on Gimghoul Road and frequently took the baby out in a stroller. Roy Williams and his coaching staff were fans of strolling, too, and our paths crossed a few times. Roy always greeted us with a smile and some kind words, and that’s a happy memory for me.” – A MY TR OJA N OWSKI
My favorite memory of Coach Roy comes from when I was running for town council in the fall of 2017. I walked into the dry cleaners on a crisp Saturday morning, and there Coach was, standing and waiting for his clothes. After debating in my mind whether to introduce myself as a candidate, I got up the gumption to do it. ‘Coach, I’m a very big fan,’ I started. In 15 seconds, I introduced myself and told him I was running for council. He patiently and graciously listened. He took an interest, asking me a few questions. He then flashed a big smile, shook my hand, and he wished me the very best in my race. Coach was down-to-earth and a class act. He will be greatly missed!” – Chapel Hi ll Town Cou n c il m em ber A L L EN B UA N SI