Dorrance Announces Retirement from UNC

by Travis Clark

August 11, 2024

North Carolina women's soccer head coach Anson Dorrance announced his retirement on Sunday.

After 45 years in the job, and 21 NCAA national championships, Dorrance reached the decision over the weekend as preseason comes to a close.

"As many of you know I modeled our program after Dean Smith's basketball program, and retiring at this time is a credit to his thinking, as well," Dorrance said in a statement. "He would re-evaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge his batteries prior to the next season. When he didn't, he retired. After last season I initially was excited about the chance to bolster our roster, which we most certainly have done, but as preseason training camp went on, I realized I didn't have the same energy it takes to give 100% to 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."

The Tar Heels' first and only women's soccer head coach to date, Dorrance led UNC to a 934-88-53 record in 45 seasons from 1979-2023. During that time, the program has played in 31 of the 42 Women's College Cups, winning the ACC 25 times. The team has won 22 of 32 ACC tournaments.

Anson Dorrance, one of the most accomplished coaches in college athletics history who led UNC Women’s Soccer to decades of unparalleled success, announces his retirement.

Thank you for everything, Coach. 👊🤍

📰 » https://t.co/QYVhtHHHrO pic.twitter.com/3mpu2WxcMr
— UNC Women's Soccer (@uncwomenssoccer) August 11, 2024

"Anson is an all-time soccer, coaching and Tar Heel legend," UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. "The numbers and accomplishments are staggering and will be hard for any coach or program to replicate or exceed. His impact on the development and growth of women's sports across the country and around the world has been profound. Not only did he elevate women's sports in the NCAA, but he also led the early dominance of the United States Women's National Team. With Anson at the helm numerous Tar Heels raised trophies in the World Cup and later in the Olympics."

A total of 59 players from the program have represented the USA, including Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn, who helped the USWNT win the Gold Medal in Paris over the weekend.

North Carolina(w) opens the season on August 15 against Denver. Associate head coach Damon Nahas will lead the team for the 2024 campaign.