Anson Dorrance, who led UNC women’s soccer to 21 NCAA titles, announces retirement

Anson Dorrance, the head coach of UNC women’s soccer who lead the team to 21 NCAA championships, announced his retirement after 47 seasons, including 45 with the women’s program.

Dorrance informed North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham of his intention to retire on Friday and told the team Sunday afternoon, according to a UNC press release.

“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,” Dorrance said in a press release.

“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.”

Dorrance, 73, is one of the most successful coaches across college athletics history, with 21 NCAA titles and a record of 934-88-53 with the women’s team. He also coached the UNC men’s soccer team from 1977-1988.

Under his leadership the Tar Heels produced numerous top players, including many who went on to play for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Mia Hamm, Cindy Parlow (Cone) and Carla Werden (Overbeck) are just a few of the athletes to have passed through Dorrance’s competitive cauldron.

Tisha Venturini-Hoch, a National Soccer Hall of Famer who captured four NCAA championships as a Tar Heel, wrote on X, “such an honor and privilege to have played for Anson.”

“Thank you for believing in me and for pushing me to always be my best on and off the field,” she wrote. “Being a part of YOUR TEAM over my four years was the greatest experience of my life and those memories I will have forever.”

Dorrance’s influence extends beyond college soccer, as he helped shape the development of women’s soccer both nationally and internationally.

In a post on X, the USWNT congratulated Dorrance on his “fantastic career, highlighted by leading us to our first World Cup in 1991.”

Cunningham described as Dorrance as a soccer and Tar Heel legend.

“The numbers and accomplishments are staggering and will be hard for any coach or program to replicate or exceed,” Cunningham said in the press release. “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.”

UNC will begin a national search for his replacement, with associate head coach Damon Nahas serving as interim head coach for the fall season.