Kellie Dixon

Sports

Shot Down: Overtime Surge Powers Duke

By Kellie Dixon | January 21

Sophomore Nikita Bell fell backward to a seated position a few feet from the North Carolina bench after an enthusiastic chest bump from teammate Chrystal Baptist, as both benches and 10,180 onlookers came to their feet. Seconds later, the power forward stood up and began pantomiming her foul shot. The scoreboard read 61-61. Only moments before, a Leah Metcalf pass to Bell on the baseline sparked several events -- a shot was fired, a whistle signifying a foul was blown and the game-ending buzzer sounded.

Sports

Injured May Might Return in 6 Weeks

By Kellie Dixon | January 9

The 6-foot-8 freshman sat hunched over on the North Carolina bench, his hands propping up his chin as he intently watched each possession. Occasionally, he excitedly shifted in his seat, uttering instructions to his teammates. And for the third consecutive game, that's all Sean May could do -- watch. But not for long, he says.

Sports

Bell Shines as Tar Heels Trounce Wolfpack

By Kellie Dixon | January 7

Click here to see more photos from the game North Carolina sophomore Nikita Bell planted her feet and outstretched her arms in an attempt to keep N.C. State's Kaaya Chones from an easy layup almost 10 minutes into the second half.

Sports

National Titles Only Part of UNC Soccer Dynasty

By Kellie Dixon | January 7

For most, winning one championship would be enough. But for the North Carolina women's soccer team, it might seem that failing to do so -- especially two years in a row -- means something is fundamentally wrong with the program. Championships have become synonymous with UNC. Few other programs have such pressure to win, although few others have achieved the same kind of success with the Tar Heels' regularity. UNC coach Anson Dorrance has won 17 national titles in 24 seasons.

Sports

Rematch Ignites Hungry Tar Heels

By Kellie Dixon | December 7

This time losing isn't a foreign concept. It's motivation. Not that the North Carolina women's soccer team is OK with a defeat, especially as UNC heads into the Final Four, where every game could mean advancing the team's season or ending it. Losing is the last thing UNC wants, especially after dropping a regular season game to N.C. State, a program that in its history had never defeated the Tar Heels. UNC remembers that. And that could be the difference this year.

Sports

Ramsey Perfects Offensive Niche

By Kellie Dixon | December 3

About a month ago, something changed in the way Alyssa Ramsey navigates the soccer field. It wasn't her speed. She still claims to have a sluggish acceleration rate followed by a constant speedy pace.

Sports

UNC Eliminates A&M on Way to Final Four

By Kellie Dixon | December 2

North Carolina forward Alyssa Ramsey made it look so easy. A pass here, a touch there, and within 22 seconds of play, Ramsey notched her first goal of the Tar Heels quarterfinal match against Texas A&M on Friday. Ramsey continued to lead UNC with a subsequent assist and a goal in the second half, as North Carolina defeated the Aggies 3-0 at Fetzer Field. The Tar Heels will travel to Austin, Texas, to play Santa Clara in the Final Four on Friday.

Sports

Freshman Sharpshooter Excels in 1st Games as Tar Heel

By Kellie Dixon | November 26

North Carolina freshman Jessica Sell slowed her dribble, maneuvering around the backcourt with the ball, her East Tennessee State opponent waiting past halfcourt with a sense of fatigue. The seconds on the clock ticked down. Despite a gesture from assistant coach Andrew Calder indicating she should hold the ball, Jessica Sell could not resist. A slight smile crept across her face as she put up a shot from the backcourt.

Sports

2nd-Half Proficiency Propels UNC

By Kellie Dixon | November 25

North Carolina junior Catherine Reddick lifted her arms and ran excitedly toward Alyssa Ramsey, who greeted her teammate outside of Tennessee's goal box with outstretched arms. As the two embraced, Ramsey lifted Reddick and twirled her around before letting her go. Just seconds before, Reddick had notched the equalizing goal off a pass from Ramsey, who was on a fast break after getting a touch from forward Susan Bush.

Sports

Dorrance Lawsuit Moves Forward

By Kellie Dixon | November 21

A U.S. federal court judge has validated a sexual harassment case against North Carolina women's soccer coach Anson Dorrance and several other UNC officials that was inexplicably tied up in court chambers for nearly four years. The court order issued by U.S. Judge N. Carlton Tilley Jr. on Nov. 13 denied in part the state attorney general's motion for dismissal. The decision was made in U.S. District Court in Greensboro.