Anson Dorrance

For over four decades, Anson Dorrance sat at the helm of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina. His tenacity and dedication are manifest in the numerous victories the Tar Heels have amassed under his watch, winning a staggering 21 of the 41 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships. Dorrance's coaching record stands at 809-67-36, a testament to his strategic acumen and the staunch competitiveness he instills in his team. In fact, Dorrance once led his team to an unprecedented 101-game unbeaten streak, a feat that underlines his ability to foster resilience and endurance within his players.

However, Dorrance's contributions extend beyond the realm of competitive success. He has coached 13 different women to a total of 20 National Player of the Year awards, evidence of his knack for honing individual talent and cultivating personal growth. Dorrance's coaching prowess has been recognized by the NCAA, which has awarded him the Women's Soccer Coach of the Year title seven times and the Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987. He was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008, and his name adorns the UNC's soccer stadium, formerly known as Fetzer Field, in a tribute to his immense contributions to the program.

In addition to his work at UNC, Dorrance also coached the United States women's national soccer team, leading them to victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991 and 1999. His coaching philosophy, which emphasizes competitiveness and the recruitment of outstanding talent, has made him one of the most respected figures in the world of soccer. The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame recognized Dorrance's influence in 2005, and he received the Werner Fricker Builder Award for his role in developing and promoting the sport. Today, Dorrance continues to inspire and mentor aspiring soccer players at UNC, upholding a legacy of excellence and dedication to the game.