When the North Carolina women’s basketball team arrived at its hotel in Hoover, Alabama, on Wednesday, a special group was there to greet them—Reniya Kelly’s family and her high school coach. Kelly, a sophomore point guard for the Tar Heels, is a Hoover native, and Legacy Arena in Birmingham is just 20 minutes from her home.
“I just love this place so much,” Kelly said. “I have a lot of experience here, and the atmosphere is always great. I’m just really happy to be back in this building. … I worked hard to get here again. I played all my high school championships here, so I know this place well. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
Kelly competed at the arena every season from eighth grade until she graduated, suffering just one loss. She helped lead Hoover to three straight state championships from 2020 to 2023. The lone defeat came during her freshman year, but the team still reached the Final Four. In recognition of her accomplishments, Hoover High School retired her jersey in 2023.
For the Tar Heels, that legacy speaks volumes. “She basically runs the city of Hoover,” said North Carolina teammate Indya Nivar.
Kelly admitted she had been hoping and even praying for the Tar Heels to land in the Birmingham regional. She had no desire to travel to Spokane, Washington, when she could be playing in the city where she grew up. UNC is expecting a strong turnout of supporters when they take on Duke on Friday at 2:30 p.m., with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. Many of those cheering in Tar Heel blue will be part of Kelly’s personal fan base—the sophomore estimates at least 50 of her friends and family will be in attendance.
To ensure Kelly has as much support as possible, teammates Maria Gakdeng, Grace Townsend, and Blanca Thomas gave her their extra friends and family tickets. Thomas noted that the Tar Heels will have a “big squad rolling deep” for the game.
Sydney Barker, a Durham native and lifelong UNC fan whose parents both graduated from the university, understands the significance of playing in front of loved ones. “Most of these girls don’t usually get this kind of experience, so it’s really special to be here,” Barker said. “I just hope we can win for her, in front of her family and the people she loves. That would mean a lot to her.”
Barker sees the team’s willingness to share tickets as a reflection of their tight-knit bond. The Tar Heels, she said, are more than teammates—they’re like sisters. Their strong chemistry is something they embrace as an advantage. “We know that our connection helps us in this tournament,” Barker said. “We genuinely enjoy playing and spending time together, and that’s not something every team has. We’re going to use that to our advantage and continue to show up for each other. We care so much about one another, and that’s what drives us.”
Kelly has been a key contributor for UNC, averaging just under 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In ACC play, she increased her scoring to 11.4 points per game, highlighted by a career-best 23-point outing against N.C. State. Her performances earned her a spot on the All-ACC second team, along with ACC and national player of the week honors after back-to-back 20-point games against Virginia Tech and N.C. State.
Head coach Courtney Banghart recalled making several trips to Hoover while recruiting Kelly and knew from the start the kind of impact player UNC was getting. Banghart described Kelly as a passionate competitor who has earned the respect and admiration she receives. “If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, no matter which team you’re rooting for, then you should get your heart checked,” Banghart said. “These kids come from their communities and go on to make a huge impact at their schools. I know she’s a crown jewel in Hoover, and we’re thrilled she’s embraced that role in Chapel Hill as well.”
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