UNC Women’s Basketball Heads to Paradise: Tar Heels to Battle in Prestigious Cancun Challenge Over Thanksgiving
The North Carolina Tar Heels women’s basketball team is packing more than just their uniforms this Thanksgiving — they’re headed to the beaches of Mexico for the highly anticipated Cancun Challenge.
Marking their first return to the international tournament since 2019, the Tar Heels are set to face a strong three-game slate that promises to test their early-season momentum. The event, known for pitting top-tier NCAA teams against one another in a tropical setting, offers both competition and camaraderie — but for UNC, it’s all about business.
Led by head coach Courtney Banghart, the team enters the Cancun Challenge with renewed energy and high expectations after a promising offseason. With a mix of experienced leaders and rising young talent, the Tar Heels are aiming to fine-tune their chemistry and strategy ahead of a tough ACC schedule.
“This trip is more than palm trees and passport stamps,” Coach Banghart said. “It’s about building resilience and bonding as a team, while competing against some of the nation’s best.”
Among the teams expected to compete are several NCAA tournament contenders, making the Cancun Challenge a key litmus test for UNC’s early-season form. The games will be broadcast on major sports networks, giving Tar Heel fans plenty to cheer for — even from thousands of miles away.
For UNC, the goal is simple: win, grow, and come back stronger.
