After blasting a solo home run into the pine trees behind Anderson Softball Stadium’s left-field fence, senior catcher Amber Parrish stage-dove into the outstretched arms of her teammates as she crossed home plate.
Mental toughness is an odd term. Sport psychologists struggle to define it, yet athletes strive for it, coaches preach it, and fans know it when they see it — it’s the unmistakable hallmark of championship teams.
North Carolina softball Coach Donna Papa knew exactly how the final half-inning would unfold. Before the Tar Heels’ last at-bat of Wednesday’s home opener against Western Carolina, Papa huddled the team in the dugout.
North Carolina freshman men's tennis player Robert Kelly flashed a wry smile — barely perceptible — as he turned and strolled back to the baseline. His opponent, North Carolina Central’s Jamal Hoyte, had just unleashed a forehand winner, a fist pump and a guttural scream.
Usually, it’s hard to find much to be concerned about after sweeping both opponents in a season-opening doubleheader.
Corey Heyward was frank as he leaned into the microphone at ACC Media Day.
For Marika Akkerman and Cassandra Vazquez — both freshmen — the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational in Orlando was unlike anything they’d experienced before.
The North Carolina field hockey team should have a new mantra: move it or lose it.
So much adrenaline coursed through Jack Nyquist’s blood vessels that the sophomore diver had to seek time alone, away from the pool deck.
Senior defender Boyd Okwuonu stood animated behind UNC’s human wall, shouting instructions and making hurried adjustments as Duke midfielder Sean Davis lined up a free kick from just outside the penalty box.
