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Sports

UNC coach Hatchell diagnosed with leukemia

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Chapel Hill, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - North Carolina head women's basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Hatchell, in a release from the school, announced she is temporarily stepping away from her coaching duties to focus on treatment.

"I am going to be involved in a treatment plan established by Dr. Pete Voorhees, medical oncologist, and his team from the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center," Hatchell said in a statement Monday. "I have the utmost confidence in my doctors. There is a reason why the North Carolina Cancer Hospital ranks as one of the top cancer facilities in the nation.

"I will remain very much involved with my team and day-to-day operations here at UNC and expect to return to my sideline responsibilities as soon as possible. My veteran staff and team will be well prepared and meet any challenges until my return. Don't forget I am a Tar Heel woman!"

Associate head coach Andrew Calder will guide the program during Hatchell's absence.

Hatchell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last month. She is set to begin her 28th season with the Tar Heels and has an overall record of 908-321, making her one of only three head coaches in women's basketball to win 900 games.

Hatchell led UNC to the 1994 NCAA championship.

"Sylvia has our complete support and is in our thoughts and prayers for a full recovery," UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement Monday. "Sylvia is a fighter and her enduring spirit will aid her greatly. Her staff and players, family and members of the athletics and University community will do what we can to bolster those efforts. Sylvia has been a long-time supporter of the Lineberger Center and is in the best hands possible."