University of North Carolina Athletics

Chancellor Carol Folt and the Tar Heels salute Anson Dorrance
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
What They're Saying About Anson Dorrance's 1000th Win
August 19, 2018 | Women's Soccer
Quotes from around the country
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ANSON DORRANCE & HIS 1,000 CAREER VICTORIES
Lorrie Fair Allen, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2000
What an incredible achievement, Anson! I'm so honored to have been a small part of such a special program, with such extraordinary people. The impact of those four short years can't be easily measured, because it is bigger than championships or success on the field. Thank you for cultivating an environment that taught me how to serve others, to push physical and mental limits, and to never give up.
Julia Ashley, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2019, 2018 Team Tri-Captain
This is just another amazing accomplishment to add to Anson's hall of accolades. It speaks volumes about the type of coach he is and what he demands from his players. To win.
Joe Breschi, UNC Men's Lacrosse Coach
You are simply the best Anson, & I'm so proud & honored to coach with you at UNC and share the same facilities with one of the greatest coaches of all time! Although we share the same birthday (April 9th) I will never come close to sharing a milestone of 1000 Wins, Congrats! You have been an amazing mentor and leader to so many of us over the years and it's a pleasure to watch a standard of excellence spill over the entire University & athletic department each season!
Amber Brooks, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2013
Anson stands alone at 1000 wins because he is truly a one of a kind person and coach. His ability to bring the best out of his players on and off the field is unparalleled and transcends the game. Congrats Ans, it was a great honor to play for you and I miss it every day!
Frank Comfort, UNC Swimming & Diving Coach 1977-2007
So many W's Anson! Congratulations to you for leading for decades our UNC soccer dynasty.
Cindy Parlow Cone, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1999
Congrats Ans! This accomplishment is simply amazing! While the national championships and all the other wins were fun, 20 years later all I remember were all the other lessons you taught me on and off the field. Forever grateful! Congrats!
Bubba Cunningham, UNC Director of Athletics
Congratulations to Anson Dorrance on his 1,000th win. Anson's incomparable competitive spirit and positive attitude is reflected not only in this incredible athletic achievement, but also in the personal development of the students he has coached throughout the years.
Rich DeSelm, UNC Swimming & Diving Coach
Like many others, I have the utmost admiration and respect for Anson Dorrance. He loves UNC, represents our school with pride and passion, is a leader of young women and men, is held in high esteem by his coaching peers at UNC and around the country and world, is hilariously funny and witty….and, his teams win! Anson has to be one of the all-time greatest soccer coaches in history! Go Heels!
Crystal Dunn, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2014
1000 wins! What an amazing achievement. Although winning is embedded in the Carolina culture, it was all about the high standards set every season, which brought out the best in me and my teammates.
Mike Fox, UNC Baseball Coach
Honored to be a colleague and watch greatness up close and personal every day. Simply incredible. Thanks for all the advice over the years. You are the best ever.
Larry Gallo. UNC Associate Athletic Director
1000 wins is an unimaginable accomplishment in the game of soccer. Anson will be recognized as one of the greatest and most dynamic coaches in all of sport history. He is also one of the most eloquent and philosophical people I have ever met. To use one of his quotes with which he inspires his team is so apropos on this momentous occasion. "Living on a never-ending ascension" Congratulations, Anson. We are so proud of you.
Kristine Lilly Heavey, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1993
Congrats to Anson on 1,000 wins! It's pretty unbelievable what he has accomplished and so glad to have been a part of some of those wins! His impact on the game has been incredible but more amazing is how he has impacted my life and so many others off the soccer field!
Brian Kalbas, UNC Women's Tennis Coach
Wow 1000 wins!! Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment. You have been an inspiration to all of us coaches. I personally want to thank you for helping our program be successful by sharing your wisdom and values. Now let's get a 1000 more.
Angela Kelly, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1995, Texas Head Coach
Fall of 19991, we were walking off the field at Fetzer and I asked simply "Anson, if you had to ask for one thing each day what would it be?" And you replied "Angie, every day I pray for strength, the strength to help me face whatever I may need to face." And since that day 27 years ago, I have prayed for the strength to get me through every day, to have the wisdom to navigate and the clarity to which I choose to share the information. Strength, wisdom and clarity are what you have instilled in me and the gift that you have given all of us that have been the fortunate ones, a.k.a. players that have really spent the time to get to know you. Anson, there are not enough words to express the impact you have had on my life. But I would like to say thank you for believing in me and for believing in us.
Dr. Beth Miller, Retired UNC Senior Associate Athletic Director
Congratulations to Anson on winning his 1000th soccer game at Carolina! What a tremendously remarkable accomplishment! In addition to being an amazing coach, and skillfully developing players academically and athletically, he has nourished a lasting family atmosphere and emphasized core values that prepare his student-athletes for life after graduation. While winning 1,000 games and many championships, Anson has also persistently been an unselfish advocate for the advancement, promotion and recognition of soccer, particularly the women's game. Congratulations to Anson for how well he represents UNC, for all he has done for the game of soccer and especially on achieving his 1,000th win and many more to come.
Heather O'Reilly, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2007
1000 wins is an outstanding achievement. But more than that, it's all the moments in those games and outside of them that Anson shaped his players. Just incredible. Congrats Anson!
Donna Papa, UNC Softball Coach
Anson and his program are the fabric of UNC, setting a standard of excellence for his players and soccer programs everywhere at all levels. Congrats to you Anson, what a great career, keep it going.
Sam Paul, UNC Men's Tennis Coach
Anson, congratulations on your 1,000th victory and your incredible career. Your impact in the world of soccer, your players' lives and women's sports is truly amazing. Also, on a personal note, thank you for your wisdom and guidance through the years. It is an honor to work at Carolina with you. Congratulations!
Janet Rayfield, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1983, Illinois Head Coach
My sincere congratulations to Anson for the1,000 moment and memory! However, the number of wins is less significant than the number of lives - players, coaches, managers, fans - that have been impacted by Anson Dorrance and the program he has built. I am in awe and honored to have played one small part in the legacy of excellence that is Carolina Women's Soccer.
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1999, UCF Head Coach
Congrats, Anson on your 1000th win! What an unbelievable milestone! It still amazes me that you always find a way to win and that you've done it for decades. Thank you for showing me how to be my best, just like you've done for the countless others who have been through the program. You are a wonderful coach, mentor and friend and I'm grateful to have learned from you. I realize now more than ever that your impact shines through while I'm coaching my own team. Thank you for your commitment to the women's game. You've elevated the standard with your dedication and passion!
Keri Sanchez, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1995
Congratulations on the 1000th win! What an amazing accomplishment. I am so proud and grateful to have been a small part of this extraordinary program. Anson, to see you still winning, inspiring and continuing the tradition and culture of Tar Heel soccer has been awe inspiring. You have been a tremendous mentor for me both as a player and a coach. You set the bar extremely high for all us. Your influence has me striving to work hard at the "never-ending ascension". I hope you take some time to enjoy this moment and thank you for all you do!
Lindsay Tarpley Snow, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2006
Congrats on 1000, Anson! Thank you for always striving for greatness! Proud to be part of your program and thankful for the lessons I've learned along the way that ultimately has led to the wins. Go UNC!
Carlos Somoano, UNC Men's Soccer Coach
How lucky and humbled am I to have been able to see Anson work up close. He has been the best, still is the best, and will be the best as long as he keeps coaching and after! Congrats Anson on 1000 wins! Simply remarkable!
John Swofford, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner
Recording 1,000 wins as a coach is an incredible accomplishment. Since the beginning of his career – and whether coaching men's soccer or women's soccer – his players, coaches and the game itself have always been his priority. Congratulations Anson, on reaching this remarkable milestone.
Lorrie Fair Allen, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2000
What an incredible achievement, Anson! I'm so honored to have been a small part of such a special program, with such extraordinary people. The impact of those four short years can't be easily measured, because it is bigger than championships or success on the field. Thank you for cultivating an environment that taught me how to serve others, to push physical and mental limits, and to never give up.
Julia Ashley, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2019, 2018 Team Tri-Captain
This is just another amazing accomplishment to add to Anson's hall of accolades. It speaks volumes about the type of coach he is and what he demands from his players. To win.
Joe Breschi, UNC Men's Lacrosse Coach
You are simply the best Anson, & I'm so proud & honored to coach with you at UNC and share the same facilities with one of the greatest coaches of all time! Although we share the same birthday (April 9th) I will never come close to sharing a milestone of 1000 Wins, Congrats! You have been an amazing mentor and leader to so many of us over the years and it's a pleasure to watch a standard of excellence spill over the entire University & athletic department each season!
Amber Brooks, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2013
Anson stands alone at 1000 wins because he is truly a one of a kind person and coach. His ability to bring the best out of his players on and off the field is unparalleled and transcends the game. Congrats Ans, it was a great honor to play for you and I miss it every day!
Frank Comfort, UNC Swimming & Diving Coach 1977-2007
So many W's Anson! Congratulations to you for leading for decades our UNC soccer dynasty.
Cindy Parlow Cone, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1999
Congrats Ans! This accomplishment is simply amazing! While the national championships and all the other wins were fun, 20 years later all I remember were all the other lessons you taught me on and off the field. Forever grateful! Congrats!
Bubba Cunningham, UNC Director of Athletics
Congratulations to Anson Dorrance on his 1,000th win. Anson's incomparable competitive spirit and positive attitude is reflected not only in this incredible athletic achievement, but also in the personal development of the students he has coached throughout the years.
Rich DeSelm, UNC Swimming & Diving Coach
Like many others, I have the utmost admiration and respect for Anson Dorrance. He loves UNC, represents our school with pride and passion, is a leader of young women and men, is held in high esteem by his coaching peers at UNC and around the country and world, is hilariously funny and witty….and, his teams win! Anson has to be one of the all-time greatest soccer coaches in history! Go Heels!
Crystal Dunn, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2014
1000 wins! What an amazing achievement. Although winning is embedded in the Carolina culture, it was all about the high standards set every season, which brought out the best in me and my teammates.
Mike Fox, UNC Baseball Coach
Honored to be a colleague and watch greatness up close and personal every day. Simply incredible. Thanks for all the advice over the years. You are the best ever.
Larry Gallo. UNC Associate Athletic Director
1000 wins is an unimaginable accomplishment in the game of soccer. Anson will be recognized as one of the greatest and most dynamic coaches in all of sport history. He is also one of the most eloquent and philosophical people I have ever met. To use one of his quotes with which he inspires his team is so apropos on this momentous occasion. "Living on a never-ending ascension" Congratulations, Anson. We are so proud of you.
Kristine Lilly Heavey, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1993
Congrats to Anson on 1,000 wins! It's pretty unbelievable what he has accomplished and so glad to have been a part of some of those wins! His impact on the game has been incredible but more amazing is how he has impacted my life and so many others off the soccer field!
Brian Kalbas, UNC Women's Tennis Coach
Wow 1000 wins!! Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment. You have been an inspiration to all of us coaches. I personally want to thank you for helping our program be successful by sharing your wisdom and values. Now let's get a 1000 more.
Angela Kelly, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1995, Texas Head Coach
Fall of 19991, we were walking off the field at Fetzer and I asked simply "Anson, if you had to ask for one thing each day what would it be?" And you replied "Angie, every day I pray for strength, the strength to help me face whatever I may need to face." And since that day 27 years ago, I have prayed for the strength to get me through every day, to have the wisdom to navigate and the clarity to which I choose to share the information. Strength, wisdom and clarity are what you have instilled in me and the gift that you have given all of us that have been the fortunate ones, a.k.a. players that have really spent the time to get to know you. Anson, there are not enough words to express the impact you have had on my life. But I would like to say thank you for believing in me and for believing in us.
Dr. Beth Miller, Retired UNC Senior Associate Athletic Director
Congratulations to Anson on winning his 1000th soccer game at Carolina! What a tremendously remarkable accomplishment! In addition to being an amazing coach, and skillfully developing players academically and athletically, he has nourished a lasting family atmosphere and emphasized core values that prepare his student-athletes for life after graduation. While winning 1,000 games and many championships, Anson has also persistently been an unselfish advocate for the advancement, promotion and recognition of soccer, particularly the women's game. Congratulations to Anson for how well he represents UNC, for all he has done for the game of soccer and especially on achieving his 1,000th win and many more to come.
Heather O'Reilly, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2007
1000 wins is an outstanding achievement. But more than that, it's all the moments in those games and outside of them that Anson shaped his players. Just incredible. Congrats Anson!
Donna Papa, UNC Softball Coach
Anson and his program are the fabric of UNC, setting a standard of excellence for his players and soccer programs everywhere at all levels. Congrats to you Anson, what a great career, keep it going.
Sam Paul, UNC Men's Tennis Coach
Anson, congratulations on your 1,000th victory and your incredible career. Your impact in the world of soccer, your players' lives and women's sports is truly amazing. Also, on a personal note, thank you for your wisdom and guidance through the years. It is an honor to work at Carolina with you. Congratulations!
Janet Rayfield, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1983, Illinois Head Coach
My sincere congratulations to Anson for the1,000 moment and memory! However, the number of wins is less significant than the number of lives - players, coaches, managers, fans - that have been impacted by Anson Dorrance and the program he has built. I am in awe and honored to have played one small part in the legacy of excellence that is Carolina Women's Soccer.
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1999, UCF Head Coach
Congrats, Anson on your 1000th win! What an unbelievable milestone! It still amazes me that you always find a way to win and that you've done it for decades. Thank you for showing me how to be my best, just like you've done for the countless others who have been through the program. You are a wonderful coach, mentor and friend and I'm grateful to have learned from you. I realize now more than ever that your impact shines through while I'm coaching my own team. Thank you for your commitment to the women's game. You've elevated the standard with your dedication and passion!
Keri Sanchez, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 1995
Congratulations on the 1000th win! What an amazing accomplishment. I am so proud and grateful to have been a small part of this extraordinary program. Anson, to see you still winning, inspiring and continuing the tradition and culture of Tar Heel soccer has been awe inspiring. You have been a tremendous mentor for me both as a player and a coach. You set the bar extremely high for all us. Your influence has me striving to work hard at the "never-ending ascension". I hope you take some time to enjoy this moment and thank you for all you do!
Lindsay Tarpley Snow, UNC Women's Soccer Class of 2006
Congrats on 1000, Anson! Thank you for always striving for greatness! Proud to be part of your program and thankful for the lessons I've learned along the way that ultimately has led to the wins. Go UNC!
Carlos Somoano, UNC Men's Soccer Coach
How lucky and humbled am I to have been able to see Anson work up close. He has been the best, still is the best, and will be the best as long as he keeps coaching and after! Congrats Anson on 1000 wins! Simply remarkable!
John Swofford, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner
Recording 1,000 wins as a coach is an incredible accomplishment. Since the beginning of his career – and whether coaching men's soccer or women's soccer – his players, coaches and the game itself have always been his priority. Congratulations Anson, on reaching this remarkable milestone.
Players Mentioned
UNC Women's Soccer: Tar Heels Advance to Third Round with Win in Penalties vs Texas Tech
Saturday, November 22
WSOC: Tar Heels Advance to Third Round with Win in Penalties vs Texas Tech
Friday, November 21
Carolina Insider - Interview with Dan Shulman (Full Segment) - November 21, 2025
Friday, November 21
Women's Lacrosse: Jenny Levy enters IWLCA Hall of Fame
Friday, November 21














