Anson Dorrance has served as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at the University of North Carolina for the past 40+ years. In his tenure Anson has won a staggering 22 Division I National Championships and is the only coach in NCAA history to win 20 championships in a single sport. When ESPN announced its list of the Best Coaches of the Past Quarter Century, Anson was one of only two coaches to make the list from a non-revenue collegiate sport. What else is staggering is the list of iconic players who have learned from Coach Dorrance. To name literally just a few you have Kristine Lilly, Tobin Heath and of course the great Mia Hamm.
Away from North Carolina, Anson pioneered women's soccer on a global stage by leading the first ever US Women's National team to a World Cup Championship in 1991 and in 2008 was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Anson has authored two books, 'Training Soccer Champions' and the recently updated and re-released 'The Vision of a Champion' and hosts a podcast by the same name. His incredible life story is chronicled in the biography by Tim Crothers, 'The Man Watching.'
To attend one of Anson's famous soccer camps for players, teams and coaches go to CarolinaGirlsSoccerCamp.com.
Season 2 of this podcast is dedicated to Tar Heel and friend of the Audley family, Ashley Riggs. Just 3 months ago the UNC soccer family lost a teammate when Ashley Riggs passed away after a long battle with Cancer. Under Anson Dorrance, Ashley was a two time National Champion and a co-captain her senior year. In honor of Ashley, an annual award is being set up through the UNC Women's Soccer program. This award will be presented annually to a player that demonstrates hard work, perseverance and fight. Monies will also go to sponsoring high school teams and players who otherwise may not be able to afford to attend UNC soccer camp.
Donations can be sent to:
Educational Foundation (Women's Soccer)
PO Box 2446
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
Checks can be made out to Educational Foundation (Women's Soccer) and be sure to put Ashley's name in the memo line.
50 Cups of Coffee with Bobby Audley is a production BobbyAudley.com. Head on over there to watch the 50 Cups of Coffee TEDx talk, listen to past episodes of the show and learn how Bobby can help your team or organization. Our theme music and art is by Mattisse Soy.