CHAPEL HILL – In order to pursue new opportunities in her basketball playing career, North Carolina assistant coach Ivory Latta has decided to resign from her position with the Tar Heels.

“I love Coach Hatchell and the University of North Carolina Women's Basketball program,” said Latta, the former National Player of the Year and two-time consensus All-America at UNC from 2004-07.

“Coaching here the past two seasons has been a dream come true for me, however, at this time in my career I feel the need to pursue numerous other opportunities that have been made available to me in my world of basketball.”

In two seasons on the Carolina bench, Latta helped guide her alma mater to a 53-19 record, advance to the Sweet 16 twice and reach the Elite 8 during the 2013-14 season.

“Ivory is like a daughter to me and I love her dearly and that is why I understand completely and have encouraged her to take full advantage of some lucrative opportunities available for her at this time and play a few more years,” said Hatchell.

“In addition to playing in the WNBA, Ivory has numerous opportunities to return to playing overseas during the school year.

Selected in the first round of the 2007 WNBA draft by the Detroit Shock, Latta begins her ninth season in the league in 2015. A current member of the Washington Mystics, she was named an all-star in both 2013 and 2014.

“We will miss her but Ivory Latta will always be a major part of this program,” added Hatchell. “Playing and now coaching at the University of North Carolina is what makes her such a special person and player and makes her stock so high as a player worldwide.

“We love her and wish her well!”

Upon her return from a trip to Hawaii with Nike, Hatchell will begin a national search for Latta's replacement.

A native of McConnells, S.C., Latta graduated from UNC in 2007 with a degree in exercise and sports science.