UNC head women’s lacrosse coach Jenny Levy accepted an offer to become the head coach of the United States women’s national team, US Lacrosse announced on Thursday.

She will remain in her role with the Tar Heels, while also coaching the national team for the next three-and-a-half years through the next World Cup in 2021.

Discussions with her family, her staff, UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham and women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance ultimately led her to accept the position.

Dorrance previously coached the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team–while continuing to coach at UNC–from 1986-1994.

“It is an unbelievable honor and one I have thought about for many years,” Levy said, in a statement released by the university.

Levy also added that she, “had to consider the impact this would have on my family and the Carolina Lacrosse program, both of which I have incredible responsibility and love for.  Without the support of my home team and my work team, this would not have been a possibility.”

In her 22 seasons at the helm in Chapel Hill, Levy has won two national championships, reached nine Final Fours and compiled a record of 312-109. She is also the only head coach in the history of the program.

Georgetown head coach Ricky Fried led the U.S. to back-to-back world championships in 2013 and 2017 with a large number of Tar Heels on the roster, leaving Levy plenty of familiar faces as she takes over.

In total, the U.S. National Team has had 17 of Levy’s Tar Heels on the roster over the past 10 years.

“At Carolina, we always talk about leaving something better than you found it, leave a legacy, take risks and be bold,” Levy said. “What a great opportunity for me to demonstrate these things to my own kids and our Carolina players.”   

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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