Norfolk State women’s basketball is taking another meaningful step onto the national stage.
The Spartans have secured a home-and-home series with nationally ranked North Carolina, the program announced on Monday.
Norfolk State will first travel to Chapel Hill to face the Tar Heels at Carmichael Arena on Dec. 21, 2026. The return matchup will bring North Carolina to Echols Hall during the 2027–28 season, marking a significant moment for Spartan fans eager to see elite competition on their home floor.
Tipoff times for both contests will be announced at a later date.
What series with UNC women’s basketball means for Norfolk State
For athletics director Melody Webb, the series represents more than just two games on the schedule.
“This home-and-home series with North Carolina is another important step for our women’s basketball program and the university,” she said in a statement.
“Competing against a nationally ranked program like UNC reflects our commitment to elevating Norfolk State athletics and providing our student-athletes the opportunity to play at the highest level. We are also excited to bring that level of competition to Echols Hall for our fans and campus community.”
The upcoming matchup will be only the second meeting between the two programs. Their previous encounter came during the 2024–25 season, when North Carolina secured a 90-47 victory in Chapel Hill.
Still, the Spartans are building momentum in ways that go beyond wins and losses. Hosting a program of UNC’s caliber underscores Norfolk State’s growing reputation and scheduling strength. The Tar Heels, who finished last season 28-8 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 before falling to eventual No. 1 seed UConn, bring national credibility and high-level exposure.
Spartans will also host Duke
North Carolina will also become just the second ACC program to play inside Echols Hall, joining Duke, which is set to return to Norfolk in the upcoming season. For Woods, those opportunities are critical to the program’s long-term growth.
“I would like to express my gratitude to coach Banghart for her ongoing dedication to scheduling HBCU games on the road,” coach Jermaine Woods said. “This provides our team with valuable opportunities to compete against top-tier opponents at home, significantly enhancing our revenue prospects.”
Norfolk State enters this new chapter following an 18-15 finish in the 2024–25 campaign
