North Carolina women's soccer coach Anson Dorrance announces retirement

One of the winningest head coaches in NCAA history is stepping down, with North Carolina women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance announcing his retirement on Sunday afternoon.

According to a UNC press release, Dorrance informed athletics director Bubba Cunningham of his retirement on Friday, then told the team on Sunday afternoon.

Associate head coach Damon Hahas will take over the team with an interim tag this season.

Anson Dorrance steps down with more NCAA titles than any other head coach in Division I history, winning 21 of them with the Tar Heels.

North Carolina will hold a retirement press conference on Monday at 2 p.m. ET.

“As many of you know I modeled our program after Dean Smith‘s basketball program, and retiring at this time is a credit to his thinking, as well,” Dorrance said in the press release. “He would re-evaluate his tenure, not after the season, but after he had time to recharge his batteries prior to the next season. When he didn’t, he retired.

“After last season I initially was excited about the chance to bolster our roster, which we most certainly have done, but as preseason training camp went on, I realized I didn’t have the same energy it takes to give 100% to this year’s team. The players and staff, the university, Carolina athletics and our great fans deserve more, and the respect I have for the amazing legacy the current and former players have built led me to make this decision at this time.”

Anson Dorrance was the first and so far only Tar Heels women’s soccer coach, having taken over the program in 1979. He has a 934-88-53 record in 45 seasons as head coach.

He also spent time as head of the men’s soccer team from 1977-88, winning 172 games and capturing an ACC title and NCAA Final Four berth in 1987.

“Anson is an all-time soccer, coaching and Tar Heel legend,” Cunningham said. “The numbers and accomplishments are staggering and will be hard for any coach or program to replicate or exceed. His impact on the development and growth of women’s sports across the country and around the world has been profound.

“Not only did he elevate women’s sports in the NCAA, but he also led the early dominance of the United States Women’s National Team. With Anson at the helm numerous Tar Heels raised trophies in the World Cup and later in the Olympics.”