Anson Dorrance, the record-holder for the most NCAA championships by a head coach in any Division I college sport with 21 titles, has announced his retirement after 45 seasons leading the women’s soccer program at North Carolina. Dorrance, 73, revealed his decision to athletic director Bubba Cunningham on Friday and shared the news with the team on Sunday, just days before their season opener against Denver.
During his illustrious career, Dorrance also coached the men’s team but found his greatest success with the women’s program. The Tar Heels have appointed Damon Nahas, the associate head coach, as the interim women’s coach for the upcoming season, while Cunningham plans to begin the search for a permanent replacement.
Dorrance cited the model of former basketball coach Dean Smith as inspiration for his retirement timing, emphasizing the importance of stepping down after recharging rather than waiting until the end of a season. Despite his excitement for the upcoming season, Dorrance expressed that he lacked the energy to continue giving his full dedication to the job.
Having amassed a remarkable record of 934-88-53 over 45 seasons, Dorrance is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in college athletics. Under his guidance, North Carolina women’s soccer claimed an unprecedented 21 NCAA titles and 22 national championships, in addition to six national championship game appearances.
Chancellor Lee Roberts and athletic director Bubba Cunningham lauded Dorrance as a transformative figure in the world of women’s sports, emphasizing his unparalleled impact on player development and the growth of women’s soccer nationally and globally. Despite a past legal challenge when former players filed a sexual harassment lawsuit in 1998, Dorrance’s legacy remains intact, with his coaching prowess recognized through numerous accolades including seven national coach of the year awards.
Dorrance’s tenure also extended to the U.S. national team from 1986 to 1994, where he led the squad to victory in the inaugural Women’s World Cup in China in 1991. With a career marked by excellence and dedication, Dorrance leaves an indelible mark on collegiate sports and women’s soccer in particular.
