The UNC women’s soccer program suffered a huge loss this past weekend, when rising seniors Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy each announced via social media that they are leaving the program in order to pursue professional opportunities.

Their departures comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming fall college sports season.

Although the ACC has committed to playing fall sports, there have been no schedules released for sports other than football. The NCAA also canceled fall championships earlier this month due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the hopes to play those games in the spring.

Both Russo and Wubben-Moy are from England and have spent time playing for the country’s youth national teams and senior club teams.

Russo made an appearance for Chelsea and seven more for Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2016-17 season. Wubben-Moy made 12 appearances for the Arsenal Ladies, with her debut coming at the age of 16.

At UNC, Russo scored 28 goals and dished out nine assists in her three years on campus–earning the 2018 ACC Offensive Player of the Year award along the way. Wubben-Moy started as a defender for the Tar Heels in 58 of the 62 games she appeared in, and finishes her college career with six goals and 12 assists.

Earlier this year, UNC women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance told ESPN he didn’t support having a season in the fall if there is no NCAA championship to play for.

“All the elite teams have players that can sign pro contracts right now, so it would be extraordinarily selfish for any of us to ask a player to stay [without a championship to play for],” Dorrance said.

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“It is rare, indeed, when you are doing exactly what you want to do, with exactly the people you want to do it with, in exactly the place you want to be. In life most people are happy when they get one right, and two is like heaven. Getting all three right can only happen at UNC.” John Gay. I never thought my senior year would end like this. This place is so special and Chapel Hill will hold a place in my heart forever. Moving here in 2017 to play for one of the most successful programs in history and to study at such a prestigious university was by far the best decision I have ever made. The memories and friendships I have made will last a lifetime. I am so thankful for everyone who made these past 3 years unforgettable. With that being said, due to the uncertainty of the current situation I will be leaving UNC to continue my football journey elsewhere. Although Chapel Hill will be extremely missed, I look forward to the next chapter. This place will always be a second home💙

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Dearest Chapel Hill, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 In 2017, I took a leap of faith into the unknown, and I landed here, with you, Chapel Hill. I didn’t know how lucky I was. I am so grateful for the memories, families, lessons and people you have afforded me. I found my heart and true passion here, this has lit up my world. This light will remain burning even though I am having to say goodbye to you early. Never could I ever have prepared to end my senior year in this way. With that being said, due to the uncertainty of the season, I have chosen to continue my football journey elsewhere. I wish my @uncwomenssoccer family all the best. Chapel Hill is home to the greatest soccer programme in the world, it’s home to my heart. Love, Lotte

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Photo via Dakota Moyer

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