The field in the brand new on-campus UNC Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium will be named after the Tar Heels’ legendary women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance, the university announced Monday.

Prior to the Tar Heels’ game against Notre Dame on Sept. 29, the field will officially be dedicated and re-named Dorrance Field.

Since taking over as UNC’s head women’s soccer coach in 1979, Dorrance has posted an eye-popping record  of 855-75-40, while winning 22 national championships and advancing to the College Cup 28 times.

Those 22 national titles are more than any single sports program in ACC history, men’s or women’s. 

Dorrance also coached the U.S. Women’s National Team to the 1991 World Cup title.

“Anson is the architect of one of the greatest sports dynasties in history, and his team values of character development, academic growth and athletic success have created phenomenal leaders who continue to share those ideals all over the world,” UNC director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “His career is an inspiration to everyone at Carolina and motivates all of us to continue striving for greatness. This honor is richly deserved and we are proud that his name will forever be synonymous with Carolina soccer.”

Dorrance will become the third active UNC coach in the last 15 months to have received a similar honor, with the court at the Dean Smith Center being named after Roy Williams and the new field hockey stadium named in honor of Karen Shelton.

“It’s truly something special to see my family’s name enshrined as part of this beautiful new facility,” Dorrance said. “This honor is a tribute not only to myself and my loved ones but also all the women and men who played for me over the past 42 years.”

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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