Carla Overbeck

Carla Overbeck has made a lasting impact on women's soccer, both as a player and a coach. In her coaching debut with Duke University in 1992, she helped lead the Blue Devils to the NCAA title game, setting the stage for a successful coaching career that has spanned over 32 years. During her tenure, Duke has advanced to the NCAA Tournament 28 times, including appearances in the NCAA College Cup in 2011, 2015, and 2017. In 2017, she played a crucial role in guiding the Blue Devils to their third ACC regular season championship, achieving a school record of 23 wins and an undefeated 10-0-0 record in conference play. This success earned the coaching staff the United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year award.

As a player, Overbeck was a standout at the University of North Carolina, where she was a three-time All-America selection and contributed to four unbeaten national championship teams from 1986 to 1989. The Tar Heels maintained an impressive 95-match unbeaten streak during her collegiate career. Overbeck was a key member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team for four years and received numerous accolades, including the Most Valuable Defensive Player of the 1988 NCAA Tournament.

Overbeck's international career with the United States National Team is equally distinguished. She was instrumental in the U.S. winning the 1991 Women's World Cup in China and captained the team in the 1995 World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games, where they won a gold medal. In 1998, she competed in the Goodwill Games, winning another gold medal, and again led Team USA to victory in the 1999 World Cup and to a silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Her contributions to the sport have been recognized through various honors, including her election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006 and induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. In August 2022, U.S. Soccer introduced The Carla Overbeck Leadership Award, celebrating individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and collaboration.