The University of North Carolina announced Sunday that legendary women’s soccer head coach Anson Dorrance, who led the Tar Heels to 21 national titles, will retire this offseason.

He made the following statement on the decision:

“As many of you know, I modeled our program after Dean Smith’s basketball program, and retiring at this time is also a credit to his mindset. He would reevaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge his batteries before the next season. When he didn’t, he retired. After last season, I was initially excited about the chance to add to our roster, which we certainly did, but as preseason training camp went on, I realized I didn’t have the same energy needed to give 100 percent to this year’s team. The players and staff, the university, the 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.”

Dorrance, 73, took over as UNC women’s coach in 1979 and led them to a 934-88-53 record in 45 seasons. He also coached the men’s soccer team between 1977 and 1988, winning 172 games and an ACC title.

But with the women’s team, he became one of the best coaches in the sport, leading them to 22 ACC Tournament championships. His Tar Heels finished either first or second place 25 times during the ACC regular season. He never missed the NCAA Tournament and won 147 tournament games.

He holds the collegiate women’s soccer record for national championships, total wins and NCAA tournament victories. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham issued the following statement on Sunday:

“Anson is an all-time football, coaching and Tar Heels legend. The numbers and accomplishments are staggering and will be hard 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 was profound. Not only did he promote women’s sports in the NCAA, but he was also involved in the early dominance of the U.S. Women’s National Team. With Anson at the helm, numerous Tar Heels captured trophies at the World Championship and later the Olympics.”

Outside of North Carolina, Dorrance was head coach of the USWNT from 1986 to 1994 and led the Americans to their first Women’s World Cup title in 1991.