The basketball community in North Carolina is mourning the loss of Sheremy Dillard, a 57‑year‑old coach and teacher who was found dead at her Raleigh home. Her passing has reverberated through the schools where she taught and coached, prompting an outpouring of grief from students, colleagues, and former players.
Dillard’s professional journey began at Carrboro High School, where she quickly earned recognition as the Northern Lakes Athletic Conference girls basketball Coach of the Year in 2023. Her reputation for fostering talent and instilling values of equity and joy made her a standout figure in the region’s sports landscape.
Beyond the gym, Dillard served as a recovery teacher and was an active member of Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Incorporated. Former students recall her as a mentor who treated everyone like family, offering guidance that extended far beyond athletic competition.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Police have charged Rickey Harper, Dillard’s boyfriend, with first‑degree murder in connection with her death. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have asked the public to allow the legal process to unfold without speculation.
The impact of Dillard’s death has been felt across multiple school districts, including Chapel Hill‑Carrboro City Schools and Felton Grove High School, where she joined in 2025 to continue her work as a coach and recovery teacher. Both institutions have offered counseling and support services to students and staff coping with the loss.
Colleagues and community leaders have highlighted Dillard’s legacy of class, grace, and wisdom. Her contributions to youth development, advocacy for equitable opportunities, and her role as a cultural pillar will continue to inspire those who knew her.