University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Q and A with Coach Joanne Aluka-White
May 6, 2020 | Women's Basketball
When Joanne Aluka-White joined the Tar Heel women's basketball staff in May of 2019 as an assistant coach, head coach Courtney Banghart had this to say: "Her voice, experience, passion, and perspective will be relied on daily." That has proven true over the past year, as Aluka-White has been a key part of Banghart's building process.
Aluka-White came to UNC following seven seasons at UNC Charlotte, the last two as associate head coach. Prior to that, she coached at Florida International for six seasons. She played professionally in the NWBL and competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, representing Nigeria.
Closing in on her one-year anniversary at UNC, Aluka-White recently reflected on her Carolina career so far.
Favorite moments from the 2019-20 season?
Joanne Aluka-White: My favorite moments include our very first home game, which was our first win as a staff; our game at home v. NC State, which was a great win (our fans were amazing!); and our overtime victory at Georgia Tech, where we had the support of some of our alums who came to cheer us on.
What will you remember most from your first year in Chapel Hill?
JAW: The season itself will hold a special place always because it was my first as a Tar Heel – the unknown became so familiar quickly. The support our program received was unwavering all season and that's exactly what our players deserved and our staff needed.
What's it been like for you and your family to settle in and become part of the Carolina family?
JAW: I've enjoyed my first year as a Tar Heel. Chapel Hill is a unique place that attracts special people. My family has adjusted well and the Carolina family has embraced us and definitely made our transition smooth. We are always busy with work or the kids' schedule, but when we are able, our family absolutely loves supporting other programs on campus!
Looking ahead to 2020-21, what do you expect from next year's team?
JAW: Every team is different from year to year, simply because people move on and new faces join. While we learn about each other, things that will always hold firm as an expectation will be our collective fight for our culture, respect, development and fierce competition.
Aluka-White came to UNC following seven seasons at UNC Charlotte, the last two as associate head coach. Prior to that, she coached at Florida International for six seasons. She played professionally in the NWBL and competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, representing Nigeria.
Closing in on her one-year anniversary at UNC, Aluka-White recently reflected on her Carolina career so far.
Favorite moments from the 2019-20 season?
Joanne Aluka-White: My favorite moments include our very first home game, which was our first win as a staff; our game at home v. NC State, which was a great win (our fans were amazing!); and our overtime victory at Georgia Tech, where we had the support of some of our alums who came to cheer us on.
What will you remember most from your first year in Chapel Hill?
JAW: The season itself will hold a special place always because it was my first as a Tar Heel – the unknown became so familiar quickly. The support our program received was unwavering all season and that's exactly what our players deserved and our staff needed.
What's it been like for you and your family to settle in and become part of the Carolina family?
JAW: I've enjoyed my first year as a Tar Heel. Chapel Hill is a unique place that attracts special people. My family has adjusted well and the Carolina family has embraced us and definitely made our transition smooth. We are always busy with work or the kids' schedule, but when we are able, our family absolutely loves supporting other programs on campus!
Looking ahead to 2020-21, what do you expect from next year's team?
JAW: Every team is different from year to year, simply because people move on and new faces join. While we learn about each other, things that will always hold firm as an expectation will be our collective fight for our culture, respect, development and fierce competition.
MBB: Hubert Davis Pre-Georgia Tech Press Conference
Friday, January 30
Carolina Insider - Interview with Megan Streicher (Full Segment) - January 30, 2026
Friday, January 30
WBB: Courtney Banghart Pre-NC State Media Availability
Friday, January 30
UNC Men's Basketball: Tar Heels Battle Back to Top #14 Virginia, 85-80
Saturday, January 24