The Carolina Athletics community and Tar Heels across the world received shocking news on Sunday — as longtime UNC women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance announced his retirement after 47 seasons in charge of the program.

While many knew the day would come at some point for Dorrance to step away, some were shocked as he announced the decision to step away from the program as Carolina is days away from starting its fall seasons. But — like his coaching style and dominance in the sport — Dorrance did things his own way, saying he “didn’t have the same energy it takes to give 100 percent to this year’s team.”

With the news, reactions from those around Carolina Athletics, alumnae from the women’s soccer program, and Tar Heel fans began pouring in Sunday afternoon, with people thanking Dorrance for shaping the program and crediting his success to pushing UNC’s sports to greater heights. The 73-year-old leaves with 22 national collegiate titles and more than 1,100 collegiate wins to his name.

Here are some of the highlights from posts shared on social media Sunday from the Carolina Athletics community, and others, about the legendary head coach and news of his retirement:

 

Featured photo via Carolina Athletics/Dan Sears.

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