UNC Women’s Soccer Wins 23rd NCAA Championship, Dominates Wake Forest

ByCoach

In a thrilling display of dominance and skill, the University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer team has once again secured their place at the pinnacle of college soccer. The Tar Heels clinched their 23rd national championship, their first since 2012, by defeating Wake Forest in a hard-fought 1-0 victory at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. This monumental win not only highlights the team’s exceptional season but also cements UNC’s legacy as the most successful program in the history of NCAA women’s soccer.

UNC’s Road to Victory

The Tar Heels’ journey to the championship was marked by outstanding performances and strategic excellence. As the second seed, UNC faced fellow No. 2 seed Wake Forest in the final match.

The game was fiercely contested, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess in the first half, which ended scoreless. However, it was Olivia Thomas who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a powerful free-kick goal, her ninth of the season, to secure the victory for UNC.

Thomas’s performance earned her the title of Most Outstanding Offensive Player, making her the first Tar Heel to receive this honor since Kealia Ohai in 2012. Goalkeeper Clare Gagne was equally impressive, earning the Most Outstanding Defensive Player accolade, becoming only the second UNC goalkeeper to do so since Siri Mullinix in 1997.

Key Players and Honors

In addition to Thomas and Gagne, freshmen Trinity Armstrong and Linda Ullmark were named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team, highlighting the depth of talent in the Tar Heels’ squad.

Interim head coach Damon Nahas also made history by becoming the second coach in NCAA women’s soccer to win a national championship in their first year.

  • Olivia Thomas – Most Outstanding Offensive Player
  • Clare Gagne – Most Outstanding Defensive Player
  • Trinity Armstrong – NCAA All-Tournament Team
  • Linda Ullmark – NCAA All-Tournament Team

Historical Context and Dominance

UNC’s victory adds another chapter to their storied history, bringing their total to 23 national championships, including the 1981 AIAW title. This achievement is unparalleled, with no other women’s soccer team owning more than four national titles.

The Tar Heels have now won 22 of the 43 NCAA titles in history, a testament to their sustained excellence and dominance in the sport.

ACC and National Impact

This championship marks the 26th women’s soccer national title for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the 32nd among current membership. The ACC’s dominance in women’s soccer is evident, with no other conference producing more than two national champions.

UNC’s success as a No. 2 seed also underscores their ability to perform under pressure, having won six national titles as a second seed.

Season Highlights and Records

The 2024 season was remarkable for the Tar Heels, who finished with a 22-5 record, including a 7-3 mark in ACC play. This season marks the 21st time in school history that UNC has won 22 or more games, the first since 2019.

The team’s success was built on a foundation of strong performances and key victories throughout the season.

  • 22 wins – Leading the nation
  • 250th regular season win – Achieved on October 10
  • 950th all-time win – Achieved on November 7
  • 150th NCAA Tournament win – Achieved on November 24

Individual Accolades

Several Tar Heels received individual honors throughout the season. Kate Faasse was named a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, and the team boasted three All-America selections.

Faasse earned First Team All-America honors, while Armstrong and Tessa Dellarose also received All-America recognition.

  • Kate Faasse – First Team All-America, MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist
  • Trinity Armstrong – All-America rookie, All-Atlantic Region First Team
  • Tessa Dellarose – All-Atlantic Region Second Team

Looking Ahead

With their latest triumph, the Tar Heels have set a high bar for future teams.

The combination of experienced players and promising freshmen like Armstrong and Ullmark suggests that UNC will continue to be a force in women’s soccer for years to come.

The team’s ability to perform at the highest level is a testament to the program’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.

As the Tar Heels celebrate their historic victory, fans and supporters can look forward to more exciting seasons ahead.

Stay updated with UNC women’s soccer by following them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

For more details on the championship win, visit the official announcement.

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