The basketball community in North Carolina is mourning the loss of Sheremy Dillard, a 57‑year‑old coach, teacher and mentor who was killed after being stabbed in her home on August 13, 2023. Her death has reverberated through schools, gyms and neighborhoods that she touched over nearly two decades of service.
Dillard devoted 18 years to coaching at Carrboro High School, building on earlier roles at Hillside High School in Durham and Felton Grove High School. Beyond the court, she mentored students, parents and colleagues, often staying after school to ensure every voice was heard and every student felt seen.
A Philosophy of Integrity and Love
Former athletic director Bobby Hill described Dillard’s coaching style as a blend of integrity, confidence and love. She taught players to live courageously, encouraging them to embrace new experiences and to carry those lessons into every facet of their lives.
PE teacher John Alcox praised her mentorship, noting that she inspired students to step out of their comfort zones and to approach life with boldness. Her influence extended far beyond basketball, shaping character and ambition alike.
Advocacy and Community Impact
Jon Evans, Carrboro High’s Athletic Director, highlighted Dillard’s unwavering advocacy for equity, especially for students of color. She worked tirelessly to create an environment where every athlete felt valued, and she championed initiatives that promoted inclusion and respect across the school.
The outpouring of grief reflects a career defined by tenacity and authenticity. Dillard’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, from the players who wear school colors in her honor to the broader community that continues to champion the values she espoused.