According to a statement released today by the university, UNC's board of trustees approved a seven-year deal for the Hall of Fame coach that starts this month. Hatchell's agent, John Meadows, said the package will improve her salary this year to $705,000 from $476,000, making her one of the highest paid women's coaches in the nation.

UNC athletic director Dick Baddour said in a statement: "Sylvia is one of the premier coaches in the country and we are thrilled that she continues to passionately lead our program toward even greater heights."

Hatchell, who completed her 22nd season at UNC in March, guided the team to a national championship in 1994. Her teams have won four consecutive ACC championships and most recently reached the NCAA regional finals in March.

"Carolina is truly one of the elite programs in the NCAA and I appreciate the support we are continuing to receive from Dick Baddour, our administration and the University," Hatchell said in a statement. Over the life of the contract, she will earn an average of $780,000 per season, Meadows said, including an average base salarly of $330,000.

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