University of North Carolina Athletics
Fencing's Hanvy Looks Back On Anthem Experience
April 5, 2017 | Fencing, Student-Athlete Development
Each year, the NCAA selects a student-athlete from each participating school to sing the national anthem at the Men's Basketball Final Four. Last year, Nico Melo of the men's soccer team represented UNC. This year, senior Sarah Hanvy, a member of the women's fencing team, was the Tar Heel selection. She flew out to the event on Friday and performed the anthem on Saturday night prior to the first NCAA semifinal game.
Hanvy, from Olathe, Kans., will graduate in May with a double major in exercise and sport science and archaeology. She is a two-year team captain of the women's sabre squad and represents women's fencing on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. She is a recipient of the Leader of Distinction Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy.
Here, in her own words, is a bit more about her Final Four experience:
When I found out I was going, I thought I was dreaming because I've had formal training, but I feel like I have a plain voice so I figured somebody else would get picked. Plus, the day before I found out I had been admitted to Physical Therapy school, so I really felt like I had used up all my good Karma; it basically was, and did turn out to be, the best week of my life so far.
The best part was that I found out I got to take a guest, so I knew my boyfriend, Jarrod Thomas, had to go, because he is the biggest Carolina Basketball fan I know. The most fun thing we' did on our trip, besides watching the basketball games, is we went to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
We flew out to Phoenix early Friday morning and we left to come home early Tuesday morning, but we didn't get in until 6 p.m., so it was a long travel day. As far as class goes, as a second-semester senior I'm only in seven hours this semester so that helped a lot, but I have a test on Wednesday that I'm a little nervous about.
My family has been very excited for me; I know a lot of my friends are jealous that they couldn't come too. A lot of my friends have messaged me and told me that I did a good job and that they're proud of me.
It was amazing to be there for the game! We got to sit in one of the empty band corrals behind the court, so we had an amazing view. Those last few seconds were unreal, and it was an indescribable feeling to see us win the National Championship in person.
I've been blessed by UNC's athletic department. I know many other schools don't treat their athletes like UNC does and I credit that as a huge part of the numerous opportunities I've had. I also credit my teammates and family for always encouraging me. I'm so thankful I got to be a part of this special time for UNC basketball; this is something I will never forget and that I look forward to telling my children about.
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