University of North Carolina Athletics
Men’s Soccer Receives $250,000 Gift From Tar Heel Alum Laycock
September 21, 2026 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina Athletics and The Rams Club are proud to announce that former men's soccer student-athlete and team captain Matt Laycock '01 and Leila Khoury have made a $250,000 gift to the Carolina men's soccer operating endowment. With this gift, Laycock hopes to inspire fellow alumni, friends and men's soccer supporters to join him in his philanthropy.
"We are incredibly grateful for Matt's generous investment in Carolina men's soccer and, most importantly, in the student-athletes who represent this program," said Head Coach Carlos Somoano. "We have a proud tradition at Carolina, and gifts like this allow us to build on that tradition and create an even stronger future. Matt's leadership and commitment mean so much to our current roster and to future Tar Heels. We are deeply appreciative of his support and for his willingness to inspire others to join him in investing in our program."
Each of Carolina's 28 sports has its own operating endowment and "friends" account. The annual yield from an operating endowment is made available to each head coach to help meet specific needs that are not covered in the regular operating budget. Donations to "friends" accounts provide an immediate increase to coaches' operating budgets with present-day funds to use at their discretion. Laycock is encouraging fans and supporters to support the program through one of these avenues.
"I'm incredibly excited and honored to make a gift to a program that has meant so much to me," Laycock said. "Carolina men's soccer gave me opportunities that shaped my life, and I want to give today's student-athletes the chance to experience those same opportunities. I hope this gift not only helps strengthen the program but also inspires others to recognize how important it is to invest in and support men's soccer. We have a special opportunity to build on the program's momentum, give our student-athletes the resources they need to succeed, and create an experience they will carry with them long after their time on the field."
Carolina men's soccer has seen more than 50 All-America selections, two NCAA championships, three ACC championships and dozens of players drafted to the professional ranks (three in 2026).
The Tar Heels have qualified for the NCAA Championship in 14 of Carlos Somoano's 15 seasons as head coach. In the 2025-26 season, Carolina advanced to the second round of NCAA tournament competition.
For more information or to make a gift, please contact Connor Weishaar at The Rams Club at 919-455-1488 or connor@ramsclub.com. You can also make a gift to the men's soccer operating endowment by clicking here, or give to the "friends" account here.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
"We are incredibly grateful for Matt's generous investment in Carolina men's soccer and, most importantly, in the student-athletes who represent this program," said Head Coach Carlos Somoano. "We have a proud tradition at Carolina, and gifts like this allow us to build on that tradition and create an even stronger future. Matt's leadership and commitment mean so much to our current roster and to future Tar Heels. We are deeply appreciative of his support and for his willingness to inspire others to join him in investing in our program."
Each of Carolina's 28 sports has its own operating endowment and "friends" account. The annual yield from an operating endowment is made available to each head coach to help meet specific needs that are not covered in the regular operating budget. Donations to "friends" accounts provide an immediate increase to coaches' operating budgets with present-day funds to use at their discretion. Laycock is encouraging fans and supporters to support the program through one of these avenues.
"I'm incredibly excited and honored to make a gift to a program that has meant so much to me," Laycock said. "Carolina men's soccer gave me opportunities that shaped my life, and I want to give today's student-athletes the chance to experience those same opportunities. I hope this gift not only helps strengthen the program but also inspires others to recognize how important it is to invest in and support men's soccer. We have a special opportunity to build on the program's momentum, give our student-athletes the resources they need to succeed, and create an experience they will carry with them long after their time on the field."
Carolina men's soccer has seen more than 50 All-America selections, two NCAA championships, three ACC championships and dozens of players drafted to the professional ranks (three in 2026).
The Tar Heels have qualified for the NCAA Championship in 14 of Carlos Somoano's 15 seasons as head coach. In the 2025-26 season, Carolina advanced to the second round of NCAA tournament competition.
For more information or to make a gift, please contact Connor Weishaar at The Rams Club at 919-455-1488 or connor@ramsclub.com. You can also make a gift to the men's soccer operating endowment by clicking here, or give to the "friends" account here.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Thursday, September 24
Thursday, September 24
Thursday, September 24
Wednesday, September 23