University of North Carolina Athletics
Wilson's #27 Retired By University
March 8, 2001 | Women's Soccer
March 8, 2001
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The #27 jersey worn by All-America defender Staci Wilson is the latest number to be retired by the University of North Carolina women's soccer team. Wilson's number was retired at halftime of the North Carolina-Duke men's basketball game at the Smith Center on Sunday, March 4.
Wilson becomes the ninth Tar Heel women's soccer player to have her number retired, joining April Heinrichs (#2), Shannon Higgins (#3), Kristine Lilly (#15), Mia Hamm (#19), Tisha Venturini (#13), Debbie Keller (#8), Robin Confer (#7) and Lorrie Fair (#14). Cindy Parlow's #22 is eligible for retirement, but formal ceremonies honoring Parlow have not yet been held because of scheduling conflicts.
STACI WILSON CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
*Co-National Player of the Year in 1995 as named by Soccer Digest.
*Probably the toughest defensive player in the history of the college game.
*Despite her small stature, it was impossible to intimidate her on the field. She always made the difficult tackle and pursued every loose ball with ferocious intensity.
*Was a member of North Carolina teams which won ACC championships in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and NCAA championships in 1994, 1996 and 1997.
*Was always a top offensive threat from her backfield position.
*As a senior in 1997, she was named a first-team All-America by Soccer America, Soccer Buzz and Soccer Times and a second-team All-America by Soccer News and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Umbro.
*As a junior in 1996, she was a coaches first-team All-America. She was named second-team All-America by Soccer Buzz and third team by Soccer News.
*In 1995, she was a first-team All-America selection by the coaches, Soccer America and Soccer News.
*She was a first-team Soccer News All-America as a freshman in 1994.
*Was named a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference defender in 1994, 1995 and 1996 and a second-team All-ACC choice in 1997.
*Was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 1994, 1995 and 1997 NCAA Tournaments.
*Was named the National Freshman Player of the Year in 1994 by Soccer America magazine.
*Was a reserve defender on the 1996 United States Olympic Team which won the gold medal in Athens, Ga.
*Was named All-ACC Tournament in 1994, 1995 and 1997.
*Played for the U.S. National Team from 1995-96, earning 14 caps.
