Anson Dorrance

Anson Dorrance is recognized as one of the most accomplished coaches in American soccer. As the first and only head coach of the University of North Carolina women's soccer program, Dorrance compiled a 934–88–53 record over 45 seasons, holding the record for the most victories in Division I women's soccer history. Prior to focusing exclusively on the women's program, he also served as head coach of the UNC men's soccer team, achieving 172 wins and leading the Tar Heels to an ACC title and an NCAA Final Four appearance. Combined, his teams amassed a 1,106–152–74 record over nearly five decades at his alma mater.

Dorrance's championship record is unmatched, with 21 NCAA championships—the most by any head coach in Division I college athletics. He became the first coach in NCAA history to win 20 NCAA championships in a single sport. Dorrance also led the United States women's national team to victory in the inaugural Women's World Cup, establishing a foundation for the program's future success. Under his leadership, his teams achieved a 101-game unbeaten streak, and he coached 13 players who collectively earned 20 National Player of the Year awards.

Beyond his coaching record, Dorrance has contributed significantly to the development of women's soccer. He was a charter member of the NCAA Women's Soccer Committee, served as women's chairman of the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America, and chaired the NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee. Dorrance is among the few coaches to qualify as a national staff coach for both the U.S. Soccer Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He received the Werner Fricker Builder Award from United States Soccer, the organization's highest honor, for his decades of service and impact on the sport's growth and structure.

Dorrance has received widespread recognition for his contributions to soccer. He is a seven-time national coach of the year and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame. The NCAA has named Dorrance Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times and Men's Soccer Coach of the Year once. His career and influence are chronicled in the biography "The Man Watching: Anson Dorrance and the University of North Carolina Women's Soccer Team" by Tim Crothers. Dorrance also co-authored "The Vision of a Champion" with Gloria Averbuch, a book that offers practical strategies for training and competition, featuring a foreword by Mia Hamm. Dorrance's legacy includes training many of the top players in U.S. women's soccer history and shaping the sport for future generations.