Ivory Latta creates a new chapter, pursues same goals
In 2007, with just 29.1 seconds left on the clock, Ivory Latta let loose a three-pointer in an effort to tie the NCAA semifinal game against Tennessee. This would be her last shot as a collegiate player, losing, just two games short of a national title. But Latta wouldn’t let this be the definition of her basketball career.
Latta, the 2006 National Player of the Year, 2004 Preseason Rookie of the Year and 2005 and 2007 All-ACC First Team member, was regarded as one of the most popular and passionate players on the court for her four years as a Carolina basketball player.
Upon her graduation, Latta held the record for a career 2,285 points, 345 three-pointers and a .840 free throw percentage. She is also the first player in ACC history to win three Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in a row.
Now, after nearly seven years in the WNBA, Latta is looking for the next step.
“I came back to Chapel Hill because I feel like I’m at the peak of my career now, where I love the game. I have played in so many countries; I’m going on my seventh year in the WNBA. I’m at the peak of my career. I think plan B’s gotta start kicking in somewhere.”
Latta, who has been avoiding head coach Sylvia Hatchell’s requests for three years now, finally decided to become an assistant coach for the Tar Heels in July 2013, just in time to step up in Coach Hatchell’s absence.
“I enjoy it. I do it for her. Because when I was here, she did so much for me. I couldn’t get that from any other coach,” said Latta, “So it’s like, now, I have to step up big and whatever she wants me to do, I’m going to do it.”
But she isn’t just coaching for the Tar Heels. While she takes on the new battles of what she calls ‘taking care of bad girls,’ Latta is also preparing for another season with the Mystics.
“Training camp starts April 27th,” said Latta, “so I try to find time to get my workout in. But a majority of the time, I’m here for the girls whenever they need me. They come in, try to get extra shots or they want to watch extra films, so I’m always here for them.”
Despite the records that she currently holds here at UNC, Latta is always pushing her players to find greatness in themselves, even if that means breaking her records.
“I encourage it. Break every record. Be great here. Be a great player while you’re here,” said Latta, “Also, do something that I didn’t, I couldn’t do, I didn’t do. Win a national championship.
“I walk in and I look up and see my jersey retired, and, I’m trying to get my point guards on the same level, just have that confidence, have that swagger that we had when I played here and just enjoy the game of basketball.”
Latta describes herself as a little big sister to the players, seeing as she is only 5’6” with the smallest current player, Jessica Washington, being 5’8″.
“I created a great relationship with them. I’m not soft on them; I’m not easy on them. I’m hard, but at the same time, I can relate to what they’re going through,” said Latta, “I’ve been through it so I know what it’s like.”
While Latta has stepped into a bigger role since Hatchell’s Leukemia diagnosis in October 2013, she makes an effort to bring energy and excitement to the court, much like she did in her days as a player.
“If you would’ve watched me at practice you would’ve thought I was just one of the cartoon characters or something,” said Latta, “I coach with a lot of passion. I play with a lot of passion. I’m animated.
“I know I’m going to take a lot from these girls and take it back with me in D.C. and just, I’m going to have an unbelievable season just because I’m learning so much from these girls.”
Latta, who has another two years on her contract with the Washington Mystics, has yet to decide what the future holds for her career, but for right now, her focus is on being a player.
“I’m not saying I’m great. But I will be great though by the time of the end of my career. I want to be the best point guard in the WNBA, yes. I will be, but I’m going to have to learn a lot.”
But when it comes to her career off of the court, Latta is still unsure.
“Everybody that I talk to right now says, ‘You’re going to make a great head coach.’ That’s something I do not want to hear right now.
“With me, I take it one day at a time. Whatever God has for me, that’s what I’m going to do,” said Latta, “If it’s being a head coach, and he places me in a great position to be a head coach, then I’ve got to accept that job.”
But for now, Latta will continue her balancing act as a player and coach, pushing her team and herselfto be the greatest players that they can be.
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This article was written in compliance with the instructions of my creative sportswriting class.