GOOD NEWS: Roy Williams Does It Again – Buys NCAA Tournament Tickets for All UNC Students in Stunning Act of Tar Heel Loyalty
In a heartwarming and unprecedented gesture that has reignited Tar Heel pride across the nation, legendary former UNC Men’s Basketball Head Coach Roy Williams has once again shown why he’s not just a Hall of Fame coach — but a Hall of Fame human being. In a move that has stunned and inspired the college basketball world, Coach Williams has personally purchased tickets for every current University of North Carolina student to attend the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, ensuring that the Tar Heels will be met with an army of blue no matter where they tip off.
This act of generosity is classic Roy — humble, passionate, and fiercely loyal to the Carolina family.
Williams, who led the Tar Heels to three NCAA national championships (2005, 2009, 2017) and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history, may have retired from coaching in 2021, but his heart never left Chapel Hill. Whether it’s mentoring current players, sitting courtside at games, or championing university causes, Coach Roy has remained an ever-present, ever-loyal steward of Carolina basketball tradition.
And now, as UNC prepares for another March Madness run, he’s ensuring that every student can be a part of the journey — regardless of financial circumstance. For many students, attending the NCAA Tournament is a dream that often feels out of reach. But thanks to Roy, dreams are becoming reality. And he’s doing it not for headlines or accolades, but out of pure love.
> “The Carolina kids — they’re family,” Williams said in a brief statement. “And family shows up when it matters most.”
Social media exploded with gratitude and admiration. Hashtags like #ThankYouRoy and #TarHeelLegend began trending within hours. Students flooded Twitter and Instagram with emotional posts, some even sharing how they had planned to watch the tournament from dorm rooms — until Roy stepped in.
UNC junior Jenna Maxwell posted,
> “Cried in the library when I read the news. Coach Roy is the reason I fell in love with Carolina basketball. Today, he became the reason I’ll see my first NCAA Tournament game ever. Forever grateful. ”
Former players, too, chimed in.
Ty Lawson tweeted, “Coach Roy stays GOATED. This man is Carolina through and through.”
Meanwhile, Marcus Paige posted, “Not surprised. That’s just who Coach is. A giver. A leader. A Tar Heel for life.”
Beyond basketball, this moment is a reminder of the values Coach Roy Williams brought to the game — and to the campus: unity, generosity, humility, and heart.
As the Tar Heels gear up to battle through the bracket, they’ll do so with the loudest, proudest student section in the nation — all thanks to one man’s selfless act.
Coach Roy isn’t drawing up plays anymore.
But with this gesture, he just drew up a lifetime memory for thousands of students.
He’s not on the bench — but he’s still leading Carolina.
