Lanie Grant Joins UNC: Star Athlete Signs on the Dotted Line for Game-Changing Season Ahead
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina has officially landed a transformative talent with the signing of Lanie Grant, a high-octane, all-state multi-sport athlete whose arrival is poised to ignite the Tar Heels’ 2025–2026 season. Amid cheers from family, teammates, and coaches at a packed press conference in her hometown of Oakwood, Georgia, Grant put pen to paper on her national letter of intent, sealing what many are calling one of the most anticipated collegiate athletic commitments of the year.
Grant, 18, has been on every major scout’s radar since her breakout sophomore season, where she led Oakwood High to its first-ever state championship in girls’ basketball and earned MVP honors in track and field. Clocking a 11.4-second 100-meter dash and averaging 22.6 points per game on the court, her athleticism is as undeniable as her competitive fire. At UNC, she’s expected to bolster both the women’s basketball roster and the track team, a rare dual commitment that showcases her elite versatility.
“This isn’t just a new chapter for me,” Grant said, standing at the podium draped in Carolina blue. “It’s a mission. I want to win championships, break records, and leave a legacy.”
UNC head coach Aniyah Brooks couldn’t hide her excitement. “Lanie is a generational player. Her energy, discipline, and sheer physical gifts make her a game-changer. But it’s her leadership — her drive to elevate those around her — that sets her apart. She’s not just an athlete. She’s a force.”
Analysts say Grant’s arrival could shift the balance of power in the ACC. UNC has been hovering just outside the elite tier in recent years, consistently competitive but missing that one breakout star. Grant, with her explosive first step, tenacious defense, and fearless scoring ability, might just be that missing piece. Already, social media buzz is comparing her to WNBA greats like Diana Taurasi and A’ja Wilson.
Off the field, Grant maintains a 4.0 GPA, volunteers at local youth centers, and is fluent in American Sign Language — a nod to her younger brother, who is deaf. “She’s always had this drive to include others and lead by example,” her mother, Charlene Grant, said. “Sports are just one part of who she is.”
UNC athletic director Dave Cunningham put it succinctly: “This signing isn’t just big. It’s program-defining. Lanie Grant will go down as one of the most impactful recruits in UNC history.”
With training camp on the horizon and season openers already circled on calendars, fans in Chapel Hill have every reason to believe something special is brewing. As banners wave and locker rooms buzz, one thing is clear: Lanie Grant has arrived — and the game will never be the same.
