Coaching legend Anson Dorrance retires after 21 NCAA titles, one World Cup

It is truly the end of an era, as University of North Carolina women’s soccer head coach Anson Dorrance has announced his retirement.

Dorrance has coached the UNC women’s soccer team since 1979, and also served as U.S. women’s national team head coach from 1986 to 1994.

The 73-year-old has built an incomparable resume during his time in the game. He leaves UNC as the all-time Division I leader for NCAA championships by a coach in any sport with 21.

In addition, he led the USWNT to the championship at the first ever Women’s World Cup in 1991.

“It is no exaggeration to say Anson Dorrance is one of the greatest collegiate coaches of all time, in any sport,” said UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts in a university release .

“He has trained many of the best players in the history of U.S. women’s soccer and has led our program through decades of unparalleled success. Coach Dorrance has shaped the sport for generations to come and leaves an unequaled legacy at Carolina.”

Dorrance, who was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame 2008, has coached a total of 59 Tar Heels who went on to play for the USWNT, including some of the program’s all-time greats like Mia Hamm, April Heinrichs, Carla Overbeck, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly and Tobin Heath.

There were two UNC alums on the 2024 USWNT Olympic gold medal roster, Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn.

The program has continued to produce star athletes, as UNC duo Ally Sentnor and Savy King went first and second overall in the most recent NWSL draft.

“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,” said Dorrance. “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.”

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