HAPPY ANNIVERSARY — North Carolina Coach Hubert Davis and Wife Leslie Celebrate 26th Wedding Anniversary with $10.5 Million Gift to Charity
In a powerful display of love, gratitude, and generosity, University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis and his wife Leslie celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in extraordinary fashion — by donating a staggering $10.5 million to charity.
The couple, long known for their deep-rooted faith and commitment to community service, made the announcement on Tuesday morning through a joint statement released by the University and their family foundation. The gift will be spread across several organizations that reflect the Davis family’s core values: education, health care, faith-based outreach, and youth empowerment.
“Leslie and I have been incredibly blessed — in marriage, in family, and in this journey through life,” Davis said. “On our 26th anniversary, we wanted to give back in a way that reflects the impact so many people have had on us. This isn’t just a gift — it’s a thank you.”
The donation will be distributed among five major recipients:
1. UNC Children’s Hospital – $2 million will go toward expanding pediatric care access and upgrading neonatal care equipment.
2. Chapel Hill Education Promise Initiative – $3 million will support scholarships for first-generation college students in North Carolina.
3. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – $1.5 million to support leadership training and mentorship for student-athletes nationwide.
4. The Davis Family Youth Leadership Fund – $2 million will be used to launch a new mentorship program aimed at underserved middle and high school students.
5. Feeding North Carolina – $2 million to combat food insecurity across rural counties in the state.
The announcement sent waves across the college basketball community and beyond, with coaches, former players, and public figures praising the Davis family for their selfless act. ESPN’s Jay Bilas tweeted, “Coach Davis continues to be a leader in every sense — on the court, in his home, and now with this incredible act of generosity. Inspiring.”
Hubert and Leslie, both devout Christians, have often spoken about how their marriage and faith guide everything they do. “From day one, we promised that our relationship would be grounded in purpose,” Leslie said during a brief interview with Chapel Hill’s WRAL News. “Giving is our way of paying it forward.”
Their love story began during their college years at UNC, where Hubert played for the legendary Dean Smith before going on to a successful NBA career. Leslie, a graduate of North Carolina Central University, has long been involved in community development and education advocacy. Together, they’ve become one of the most respected couples in collegiate athletics.
This anniversary gift adds to an already rich legacy of service and leadership. In 2022, the Davises launched a scholarship fund for student managers and trainers at UNC. In 2023, they helped build a community center in Durham focused on literacy and wellness.
As the couple marks over a quarter-century of marriage, their message is clear: love, faith, and giving are the legacy they wish to leave behind — far beyond the basketball court.
