CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Few names shine brighter in the proud tapestry of North Carolina basketball than Roy Williams. For nearly two decades in Chapel Hill, Williams was more than a coach — he was a standard-bearer of excellence, humility, and unshakable loyalty to his alma mater. Now, years after stepping away from the sidelines, the man who turned Tar Heel dreams into national championships is being honored with the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian distinction. It is a fitting tribute to a native son whose life story and career triumphs have left an indelible mark on both college basketball and his beloved home state.
A Career Etched in Glory
When Roy Williams took over as head coach of the Tar Heels in 2003, he inherited not just a basketball program but also a tradition steeped in history. What he built over the next 18 seasons was nothing short of remarkable. Under his guidance, North Carolina captured three NCAA national championships (2005, 2009, 2017) and made five Final Four appearances, restoring the Tar Heels to their rightful place at the pinnacle of college basketball.
Yet Williams’ success wasn’t defined solely by banners and trophies. He led with a unique blend of old-school grit and genuine care for his players, turning teenagers into champions both on and off the court. By the time he retired in 2021, Williams had amassed 903 career wins, placing him third on the all-time victories list and boasting a winning percentage of .774, among the very best in Division I history.
He remains the only coach ever to record 400 wins at two different schools (Kansas and North Carolina), and uniquely, he is also the only coach to guide his alma mater to three national titles. His résumé was more than worthy of Hall of Fame recognition, which he received in 2007 when enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Honor of a Lifetime
This fall, the state of North Carolina is adding another accolade to his legendary career. Williams will be recognized alongside five other distinguished citizens as a recipient of the 2025 North Carolina Award, presented annually to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the state and nation.
Governor Josh Stein, in announcing this year’s recipients, reflected on the award’s significance. “Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been given to many remarkable North Carolinians,” Stein said. “I am pleased to note that our 2025 recipients all either hail from or have made a particular impact in western North Carolina, and I look forward to honoring them in the mountains we all love.”
The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, bringing the honor full circle for Williams, who himself was born and raised in Asheville.
Joining an Esteemed Class
Alongside Williams, the 2025 recipients of the North Carolina Award include Woody Platt and Buddy Melton (fine arts), Wiley Cash (literature), James Ferguson (public service), and Kathie Dello (science). The diversity of fields represented highlights the award’s purpose: celebrating not only athletic achievement but also cultural, civic, and scientific contributions that enrich the state’s identity.
For Williams, whose name is already synonymous with excellence in basketball, this award underscores that his legacy extends far beyond the hardwood. His story is as much about loyalty to home as it is about victory in sport.
A Son of North Carolina
Williams’ journey has always been deeply tied to his North Carolina roots. Growing up in Asheville, he learned values of perseverance and discipline long before he ever stepped into a coaching role. As a young man, he attended the University of North Carolina, where he played for Dean Smith and later began his coaching career as an assistant.
Those early years instilled in him the “Carolina Way” — a philosophy of teamwork, respect, and integrity that guided him throughout his Hall of Fame career. When he returned to Chapel Hill as head coach, it wasn’t just a professional move; it was a homecoming, a chance to give back to the place that shaped him.
More Than a Coach
Williams’ impact extends far beyond wins and championships. Former players often speak of him not only as a coach but also as a mentor and father figure. He was known for his fiery competitiveness on the sideline, yet off the court, he was approachable, caring, and deeply invested in his players’ futures.
He has also been a generous supporter of community causes, education, and charitable initiatives across the state. The North Carolina Award acknowledges this broader impact — recognizing that Williams’ influence resonates not only in arenas and trophy cases but also in classrooms, communities, and the countless lives he has touched.
A Legacy Forever Linked to the State
When Roy Williams retired in 2021, he left behind more than a record book of accomplishments. He left a legacy of character, one that North Carolinians hold dear. His story is a reminder that greatness is not measured solely in victories but also in humility, loyalty, and the ability to lift others higher.
With the North Carolina Award, the state now formally celebrates one of its favorite sons — a coach who gave his all to his alma mater, his players, and his people.
As the lights shine on the Omni Grove Park Inn this November, it won’t just be a ceremony. It will be a moment of recognition for a man who embodied what it means to be a Tar Heel, and more importantly, what it means to be a North Carolinian.
