Anson Dorrance Retires from Coaching
- Anson Dorrance is retiring after a remarkable 45-year career as the head coach for North Carolina's women's soccer program.
- He has secured a record 21 NCAA championships, the most by any head coach in Division I sports.
- His departure marks the end of an era in college soccer, greatly impacting the sport and his players.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Anson Dorrance, the legendary head coach of the University of North Carolina women’s soccer program, has announced his retirement after an impressive 45 seasons. Dorrance, who holds the record for the most NCAA championships by a head coach in any Division I sport with 21 titles, informed athletic director Bubba Cunningham of his decision on Friday and shared the news with his team on Sunday, just days before their season opener. Dorrance, who began his coaching career overseeing both the men’s and women’s teams, found unparalleled success with the women’s program, which he modeled after Dean Smith’s basketball philosophy. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and renewal, stating that his retirement aligns with the principles he admired in Smith’s approach to coaching. Under Dorrance’s leadership, the Tar Heels amassed a remarkable record of 934 wins, 88 losses, and 53 ties, while securing 22 national championships, including 21 NCAA titles. Chancellor Lee Roberts praised Dorrance as one of the greatest collegiate coaches in history, highlighting his role in shaping many of the top players in U.S. women’s soccer. Despite facing controversy over his coaching methods, which included allegations regarding player privacy, Dorrance’s legacy remains significant. A seven-time national coach of the year and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, he also led the U.S. national team to victory in the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991.