After safely tucking away the 2012 national championship trophy next to 21 others just like it, the North Carolina women’s soccer team had to look forward. Despite the program’s perennial dominance, a new season means a new start.
Coach Anson Dorrance constantly tells his team how last season could’ve gone differently. He reminds them that Baylor, Brigham Young and Stanford nearly ended UNC’s season long before the confetti shower in California.
“We’re trying to communicate to everyone that we should remain humble,” he said.
But while Dorrance reminds his team to be humble, the preseason polls by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America have already ranked the Tar Heels No. 1. And on top of the ranking, reigning national player of the year, senior Crystal Dunn, will also be returning.
The Tar Heels won’t be short on tough competition this season. Their schedule is packed with eight teams that join them in the preseason top 25.
Making the season even more challenging is the graduation of Adelaide Gay, UNC’s primary goalkeeper from last season. Dorrance said the competition to replace Gay is still very much open between senior Anna Sieloff and sophomore Bryane Heaberlin..
It’s all a part of what Dorrance calls a “competitive cauldron.” Every drill in every practice is a competition, he said, and he believes that is what takes UNC to its highest level year after year.
The Tar Heels will also face the task of replacing three of its top five scorers from last season. The Tar Heels have added three new players who Dorrance said can begin to fill the scoring void — junior Alexa Newfield, a transfer from Georgia , and freshmen Emily Bruder and Amber Munerlyn.
“We’re excited about our attack,” Dorrance said. “We have the potential to have another fine team.”
