National Championship

The night Carolina won the NCAA Championship was not just about the team, but rather about all of us, joined together so passionately... I have never been prouder of my school, or more importantly, of this spirit, this family, that we cherish so deeply here at UNC.

With 9 seconds left in the game, we knew. Raymond Felton swooshed in the last of his freethrows, the team held their breath, and we all grew silent. The knot in my stomach began to dissipate, and it hit me. 5-4-3-2-1 WE WON!

Gathering our things and with one final glance at the TV, at the pure, unadulterated joy on the faces of our coach, our team, we took off running. Heading for Franklin Street, the center of campus and town, my girlfriends and I linked hands, expecting the masses that were to come. With people's high spirits propelling them forward and their voices rising in glee, a wave of blue crashed onto the streets of Chapel Hill. Bonfires roared, staccato chants of "Car-o-li-na!" bounced off the buildings, and the faces of 45,000 fans beamed. It was this beautiful, almost transcendental, mayhem.

The night Carolina won the NCAA Championship was not just about the team, but rather about all of us, joined together so passionately in this singular endeavor. I have never been prouder of my school, or more importantly, of this spirit, this family, that we cherish so deeply here at UNC.