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Anson Dorrance, coach of the North Carolina women’s soccer team who led the Tar Heels to 22 national championships in 47 seasons, announced his resignation Sunday afternoon.
“As many of you know, I modeled our program after Dean Smith’s basketball program, and his retiring at this time is also a testament to his mindset,” Dorrance said in a school statement.
“He would re-evaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge before the next season. When he didn’t, he retired. After last season, I was initially excited about the opportunity to strengthen our squad, which we certainly did, but as preseason camp went on, I realized I didn’t have the same energy it takes to give 100% for this year’s team.
“The players and staff, the university, Carolina athletics and our great fans deserve more, and the respect I have for the amazing legacy the current and former players have built led me to make this decision at this time.”
According to UNC, Dorrance informed UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham on Friday before announcing his resignation to the team on Sunday afternoon.
“Anson is an all-time football, coaching and Tar Heel legend. The numbers and accomplishments are staggering and will be difficult for any coach or program to replicate or surpass. His impact on the development and growth of women’s sports across the country and around the world has been profound,” Cunningham said.
“Not only did he promote women’s sports in the NCAA, but he was also the first to dominate the U.S. women’s national team. Under Anson’s leadership, numerous Tar Heels won trophies at the World Championships and later at the Olympics.”
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Associate head coach Damon Nahas will lead the team as interim coach this season while Cunningham leads a nationwide search. The Tar Heels open the 2024 regular season on Thursday in Denver.
Anson Dorrance’s record and achievements at UNC
Dorrance, 73, graduated from UNC in 1974 and went on to become one of the most successful coaches in the sport.
As the first and only coach of the Tar Heels women’s soccer team, Dorrance led UNC to 934 wins in 45 seasons. He also coached the men’s team for two years, increasing his career victories to 1,106.
“Anyone who knows Anson knows how ambitious he is, so his retirement underscores his belief that this is the right decision for the success of this year’s team. I have a lot of respect for him and his decision,” said Cunningham.
“Everyone at Carolina thanks Anson, M’Liss and their family for their 50-plus year relationship with the university. He will forever be a Tar Heel.”
UNC won 21 NCAA titles and 22 ACC Tournament championships under Dorrance, who won 147 NCAA Tournament victories and 31 College Cups. Entering the 2024 season, UNC had been ranked for 513 consecutive weeks.
“It is no exaggeration to say that Anson Dorrance is one of the greatest college coaches of all time, regardless of sport,” said UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts.
He has coached many of the best players in the history of U.S. women’s soccer and led our program through decades of unprecedented success. Coach Dorrance has shaped the sport for generations to come and leaves an unparalleled legacy in Carolina.”
Dorrance, a seven-time national coach of the year, led the Tar Heels to five perfect seasons and set an NCAA record with 92 consecutive wins from 1990 to 1994.
Mia Hamm on the list of UNC legends playing for Dorrance
During his time in Chapel Hill, Dorrance coached a number of legendary players, including Mia Hamm.
Hamm, the current president of US Soccer, was named the ACC’s best female athlete during the league’s first 50 years. Hamm set the NCAA scoring record and was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Kristine Lilly, one of five Tar Heels to captain the U.S. women’s national team, played in 354 international matches, a U.S. record. Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox are among the youngest UNC players to play for the USWNT, which won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Under Dorrance, UNC has earned 102 first-team All-America honors, 19 ACC Player of the Year awards, 34 NCAA Tournament MVPs and 22 ACC Tournament MVPs. Fourteen Tar Heels have won 21 Olympic gold medals. In 2019, UNC dedicated the home of the soccer and lacrosse programs as Dorrance Field.
Editor Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
