Another Tar Heel is taking her talents to the professional ranks. Former UNC women's basketball starter Indya Nivar saw her childhood dream realized Monday night, selected 28th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Nivar, a North Carolina native, became a cornerstone for the Tar Heels over her final two seasons, starting each of the team's last 69 games. She saved her best for last, posting career-high averages of 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 campaign. Her steady play was instrumental in anchoring a guard-heavy lineup that propelled UNC to its second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance in March.
Her journey to this moment featured a key pivot. Nivar began her collegiate career at Stanford before transferring to Chapel Hill, where she blossomed from a reserve into a full-time starter and a proven winner.
In Atlanta, Nivar joins a Dream roster loaded with talent, including star forward Angel Reese and veteran guard Te-Hina Paopao. She'll look to carve out her role and bring her trademark two-way versatility to the next level.
Back in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels are well-equipped to handle the departure. The 2026-27 roster remains deep in the backcourt, led by senior Reniya Kelly and heralded incoming recruit Kate Harpring. The competition to fill the starting spot Nivar leaves behind will be one of the early storylines of the new season.
For now, the focus is on celebration. Congratulations to Indya Nivar on achieving a lifelong goal and representing Carolina in the WNBA.