When the 15th-ranked UNC women’s basketball team starts play in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday morning, it will mark Sylvia Hatchell’s 21st trip to the Big Dance. This one will surely stand out.

Hatchell missed the entire 2013-14 season while undergoing treatment for Leukemia. Usually, March is Hatchell’s favorite time of the year, but last year was her worst.

“This time last year, I was probably at my weakest point,” said Hatchell on the eve of UNC’s first round game against Liberty. “I was just coming out of my last treatment. All of my numbers were flat. My immune system, my neutrophils…everything was flat.”

While UNC played Tennessee-Martin and Michigan State at Carmichael Arena in the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Hatchell was hospitalized just a few miles away. She wanted to watch her team play, but the illness kept her bedridden.

“I couldn’t be around any germs,” said Hatchell. “I had no immune system at all so I couldn’t even come when they played here. Here they were just a few miles away and I couldn’t even come watch them.”

During her absence, UNC stunned top-seeded South Carolina in the Round of 16 and advanced to the Elite Eight, where they fell to Stanford on the Cardinal’s home floor. Yet Hatchell saw none of it. Last year’s experience makes her appreciate returning to the NCAA Tournament this year.

“When I think back to this time last year, I’m so excited to be here,” said Hatchell. “I’m excited to be a part of this for these kids because it’s about them.”

The 15th-ranked Tar Heels face Big South champion Liberty Saturday at Carmichael Arena. Coverage on WCHL begins at 11 AM live with Walter Storholt courtside.