From the Rooftops

You know when you’re watching a game, and you find yourself either (1) screaming at the TV or (2) talking to/about the players as if you are on a first-name basis? Yeah, that was us two nights ago watching the UNC vs. UCLA March Madness game.

Do I know Brady Manek? Not at all. Have I ever spoken a singular word to him? Nope. Do I wish I was friends with him because he is just a flat-out stud. Obviously. But there is absolutely no reason I should be yelling “YEEAA LET”S GOOOO BRADY MY DUDE” when he drains a three.

Similarly, Hubert Davis’ shoes are always fuego. But since when are Coach Davis and I buds enough for me to casually throw out “Wow, Hubert’s ready to go tonight with the kicks,” or “I wonder where Hubert got that pair…” Like, what?! (In all seriousness though, Hubert, can we be friends too??)

March Madness, for any passionate fan, is one of the best times of the year, and on a college campus, it’s even more exaggerated. Here, there’s more Carolina Blue everywhere, the lines are out the door of any bar on game day, there are blow-up screens across campus where everyone huddles around to watch, and let’s just say the cries of excitement echo throughout the streets when the boys and girls pull through.

It’s crazy how much passion you can feel for your school, a city, or another team. How about for a certain group of players? Or a coach?

You all have heard it before: Carolina is a special place made that way by generations of special people. And because of that, the bond all of us have to our school is one-of-a-kind. So naturally, when any of our teams are in any sort of tournament or nearing the final rounds of anything, time stops.

There’s something really unique about being a student-athlete in this situation too because you have an even deeper connection to those out there in the spotlight. You’ve felt what it’s like. And you share the feeling of wanting those around you to succeed. You also understand the honor of being a part of something bigger than yourself and representing your university.

Whether it’s Carolina Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Golf - you name any sport, there’s going to be people repping the better blue, supporting from all over the world, and screaming at their TVs. And you know what, you can laugh at yourself tomorrow, but in the moment, you be as passionate as you want.

Pretend the players are your besties when you speak of them. Buy that ticket that might be a little pricey but will give you the experience of a lifetime. And deck yourself out in your team’s colors when it’s game day.

Because take it from me, come game time - especially during any tournament - no player, coach, or other fan is going to ever say that you should tone it down.

HERE WE GO HEELS!!!!

"There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between." - Pat Riley