Anson Dorrance, the legendary head coach of the University of North Carolina women’s soccer program, has announced his retirement after an illustrious 45-year career. Dorrance, whose 21 NCAA championships are the most by a head coach in any Division I sport in college athletics history, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled success and impact on the sport of women’s soccer.
Dorrance’s decision to retire was made known to Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham on August 9th, with the team being informed of his intentions on August 11th. The Tar Heels will begin the regular season under the guidance of associate head coach Damon Nahas as interim head coach, as Cunningham leads a national search for Dorrance’s successor.
Throughout his tenure, Dorrance has been a trailblazer in women’s sports, modeling his program after Dean Smith’s basketball program and achieving remarkable success both on and off the field. Under his leadership, the Tar Heels have amassed an impressive record of 934-88-53 and secured 21 NCAA titles, firmly establishing themselves as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s soccer.
Dorrance’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the soccer field, as he played a pivotal role in the development and growth of women’s sports across the country and around the world. His influence on the United States Women’s National Team was profound, with numerous Tar Heels going on to raise trophies in the World Cup and Olympics, further solidifying his legacy as a coaching icon.
The accolades and achievements of Dorrance’s career are staggering, with the Tar Heels winning a total of 22 national championships, including an AIAW title in 1981 and 21 NCAA titles. The program has played in six other national championship games, finished atop the ACC regular season standings 25 times, and captured 22 ACC tournament titles.
Dorrance’s coaching prowess is exemplified by the numerous records and milestones achieved by the Tar Heels under his guidance. From setting the NCAA record for winning 92 consecutive matches to playing over 600 consecutive games with no more than a one-goal margin, Dorrance’s teams have consistently raised the bar for excellence in women’s soccer.
The impact of Dorrance’s coaching extends to the development of individual players, with 19 National Player-of-the-Year honorees and a host of All-Americans emerging from the Tar Heels program. From Mia Hamm to Tobin Heath, Dorrance has nurtured some of the sport’s most outstanding talents, shaping the careers of players who have gone on to achieve greatness on the international stage.
Dorrance’s influence on women’s soccer transcends the collegiate level, as his players have made significant contributions to the USWNT and the growth of professional women’s soccer in the United States. With 59 Tar Heels having represented the national team and numerous players excelling in the professional ranks, Dorrance’s impact on the sport’s landscape is undeniable.
As Dorrance embarks on retirement, his legacy as one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time is secure. His induction into multiple halls of fame and the countless accolades he has received throughout his career are a testament to his enduring impact on the sport of women’s soccer. The University of North Carolina and the world of women’s athletics owe a debt of gratitude to Anson Dorrance for his unparalleled contributions to the game.