UNC Chapel Hill’s Women’s Soccer ; National Champions for the 23rd time.
- Yamil Martinez
- Dec 10, 2024
- 2 min read
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s women’s soccer team has once again asserted its dominance in collegiate soccer by clinching their 23rd national championship. This victory marks their first national title since 2012, reinforcing their legacy as the most successful program in NCAA women’s soccer history.
In a tightly contested final against Wake Forest, held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, the Tar Heels secured a 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when forward Olivia Thomas delivered a precise free-kick that found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and ultimately sealing the championship for UNC.
This championship run was characterized by standout performances from several key players:
• Olivia Thomas: Beyond her championship-winning goal, Thomas consistently showcased her offensive prowess throughout the tournament.
• Tessa Dellarose: The junior midfielder was instrumental in the team’s success, notably scoring a last-minute goal in the second round against Santa Clara, propelling the Tar Heels forward in the tournament.
• Maddie Dahlien: A dynamic forward, Dahlien made significant contributions, including a goal in the semifinal victory over Duke, further solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer.
The 2024 championship adds to UNC’s illustrious history in women’s soccer. The program’s dominance began in the early 1980s, with national titles spanning across decades:
• 1980s: The Tar Heels captured their first NCAA championship in 1982 and went on to win additional titles in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989.
• 1990s: The success continued with championships in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, and 1999.
• 2000s: UNC maintained its elite status with titles in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2009.
• 2010s: The Tar Heels added another championship in 2012.
This extensive list of titles underscores the program’s sustained excellence and its pivotal role in shaping women’s collegiate soccer.
The 2024 season also marked a significant transition for the program, as it was the first under interim head coach Damon Nahas, following the retirement of legendary coach Anson Dorrance. Nahas’s leadership has been instrumental in continuing the team’s tradition of success, culminating in this latest national championship.
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