UNC women ‘s basketball head coach Sylvia Hatchell has been named the winner of the ninth annual Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award.

Announced earlier this week by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, Coach Hatchell will receive the award during the ACC Tournament in Greensboro next week.

Just weeks after being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in October of 2013, Hatchell was diagnosed with leukemia and was sidelined for the entire 2013-14 season as her team, coached by longtime assistant Andrew Calder, made a run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.

After undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments at UNC Lineberger, she’s returned to the bench and guided her beloved Tar Heels to a 21-6 record and 8-5 mark in the ACC so far this season.

“I’m honored and humbled by this award, and it’s even more special, because I knew Bob Bradley. It’s tough. It’s hard. But you can beat it. Every day is a blessing. Now, I try to support others who have leukemia, because I know how important it is to have that support,” Coach Hatchell says.

UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham says, “The resiliency that Coach Hatchell displayed in her fight against leukemia was truly inspiring. I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award. She continues to be a role model for others that are currently battling the disease.”

Coach Hatchell is in her 29th season at UNC and 40th overall.