Athletics

For The Next Generation

"I wanted to encourage the next generation of Carolina fans..."

"I wanted to encourage the next generation of Carolina fans..."

“I come from a proud Carolina family. I love Carolina, and I love college athletics. I simply wanted to encourage the next generation of Carolina fans to follow their own path to Chapel Hill, and I wanted to honor Coach Williams at the same time.”

Aaron Gard ’97 is a man who wears many hats: attorney, fundraiser, entrepreneur. And under the pen name “Kitty Dogwood,” Gard has put on yet another hat — that of a children’s author.

At Carolina, Gard played varsity soccer, learning valuable lessons that continue to serve him in his personal and professional lives. He’s quick to point out that Carolina’s athletic program has many role models. And that’s where “Lessons from RoyOpens in new window” was born.

“Lessons from Roy,” which is dedicated to Carolina fans of all ages, celebrates the life of Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams. It tells a story of hard work, help from others and doing the right things to succeed.

A portion of the proceeds supports various nonprofits and children.

Carolina Athletics Funding Priorities

    Readers Also Viewed...

    When the Tar Heels narrowly lost 72-69, fans quietly began to gather their belongings with resignation, then paused to listen as James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind” played on the stadium’s speakers. (Photo by Sarah Wood/UNC-Chapel Hill)
    Athletics

    An Extraordinary Season’s Finale

    NCAA Championship Final Watch Party at Dean Smith Center

    Eric Montross sitting in the Dean E. Smith Center.
    Athletics

    Honoring a Tar Heel Great

    Rams Club family endows scholarship to honor Tar Heel great Eric Montross '94.

    50 Years of Carolina Women
    Athletics

    Celebrating 50 Years

    Carolina Athletics celebrates 50 years of women’s athletics.

    Chris Gray and Sara Daavettila stand side by side in front of a blue swath.
    Athletics

    Academic and Athletic Excellence

    The Rams Club scholarship student-athletes earn Academic All-America honors in the 2020-21 academic year.

    Rich and Tracy DeSelm pose in front of flowers.
    Student Support

    Honoring a Father and Coach

    Family endows a swimming and diving scholarship to honor their father, the former head coach.

    Close up of upper body of Carolina alumnus RC Orlan ’19 standing on the UNC baseball stadium field
    Athletics

    Fulfilling a Commitment, Getting a Degree

    Professional baseball player comes back to Carolina to finish out his degree