Fans excited to meet Coach Williams at book signing

Roy Williams began signing copies of his new autobiography at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, but the line to get tickets started more than 12 hours earlier.

Only 75 tickets were available when the Bull’s Head Bookshop opened its doors at 7:30 a.m. By then, the line of basketball fans stretched across the Pit, almost reaching Lenoir Dining Hall.

Amy Reynolds, a first-year linguistics master’s student, got in line at 6:30 a.m. to ensure that she would get signed copies to send back home to fans of the University of Kansas, where Williams was head basketball coach before coming to UNC.

Students without tickets, who hoped Williams would stick around to sign their books, waited for hours in a line that weaved in and out of the sweatshirt racks in Student Stores. Some ticketless but hopeful students had been waiting since 3 p.m. Williams signed books until about 9 p.m.

“Hard Work: A Life On and Off of the Court” reveals the inside story of the basketball coach’s career, as well as some intimate personal details. The book has generated a lot of interest not only for its coverage of Williams’ two national championship titles but also for its account of Williams’ rocky relationship with his alcoholic father.

“It was a hard experience for me, let me tell you,” Williams said as he introduced himself and his book to the crowd. He said the book included experiences he never shared with anyone except his wife.

Many people at the signing hadn’t cracked the book yet but were simply happy to have a chance to meet the legend and pick up a holiday present for devoted UNC fans.

“I am just excited to shake Roy’s hand,” said Aislinn Hickle-Edwards, a senior journalism major who got the last ticket. “He’s the coach I’m going to tell my kids about.”

For others, the book is a true inspiration.

Sandee English, a UNC employee, said she sees a little bit of Roy in her son, who is a chef in Alaska and rarely gets to see the UNC basketball games that he so dearly loves.

“It’s an inspiring story of someone who has had a lot of challenges,” English said. “I think my son is the same way.”

Sophomore Nick Beeson said he was getting the book for his dad, who didn’t go to UNC but always dreamed of attending.

“It’s a gift for my dad, who is the best coach I’ve ever had,” Beeson said.

Freshman Barrett Winter was the first person to meet Williams and get his book signed after waiting in line for several hours.

“Oh yeah! It was so worth it,” Winter said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.