CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina, the only school to participate in every NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament since its inception, embarks on its journey to clinch the 23rd national championship in its illustrious history after being awarded a prestigious No. 2 seed in the highly anticipated 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament.
The Tar Heels are set to host USC Upstate for an exciting first-round matchup at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill on Friday, Nov. 15, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Fans eager to witness this thrilling contest can secure their tickets for purchase here.
The victorious team from Friday’s contest will progress to the second round, where they will compete against the winner of the highly anticipated match between Santa Clara and BYU the following weekend.
More detailed information regarding the NCAA Tournament, including the complete official bracket, can be found here.
Interim head coach Damon Nahas has successfully guided the Tar Heels to secure a top-2 national seed for a remarkable 37th time in the program’s rich history. The program has a notable legacy of winning five NCAA championships as a No. 2 seed, with its most recent triumph occurring in 2012.
Remaining steadfastly ranked at No. 2, the Tar Heels have consistently maintained their position among the top four in the NCAA RPI rankings throughout the entire season. They also garnered recognition with a No. 8 ranking in the latest United Soccer Coaches poll, entering the NCAA Tournament with an impressive overall record of 16 wins and 5 losses, including a solid 7-3 showing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
This tournament marks an incredible 43rd consecutive appearance for the Tar Heels in the NCAA Tournament, solidifying their status as the only team to contest in every tournament since its first edition in 1982. UNC boasts an impressive 21 out of 42 NCAA women’s soccer titles, along with an earlier AIAW national championship secured in 1981. No other program has managed to secure more than four NCAA titles in women’s soccer history.
Under the guidance of former head coach Anson Dorrance, who recently retired, the Tar Heels clinched their last national title in 2012 and have been national runners-up six times during his tenure. Carolina holds an outstanding NCAA Tournament record of 147 wins, 18 losses, and 5 draws, translating to a remarkable winning percentage of .879.
With 22 national championships, UNC holds the prestigious title for the most by any team in women’s soccer history. The Tar Heels also lead in multiple other categories, including College Cups (31), championship game appearances (27), total wins (147), and the number of tournament games played (170).
Stay up to date with UNC women’s soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
**Interview with Damon Nahas, Interim Head Coach of the UNC Women’s Soccer Team**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Nahas. The UNC Women’s Soccer team has once again secured a coveted No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament. What does this milestone mean for you and the team as you prepare for the upcoming match against USC Upstate?
**Coach Nahas:** Thank you for having me. Securing a No. 2 seed is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff throughout the season. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our desire to perform at a high level. The upcoming match against USC Upstate is important, not just as a first-round game, but as a stepping stone toward our goal of clinching the 23rd national championship for UNC.
**Editor:** The team has an impressive history, being the only school to participate in every NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament. How do you feel this legacy impacts the current players as they take the field?
**Coach Nahas:** Our program’s history definitely adds a certain level of expectation and pride. The players understand that they are part of something bigger, a legacy of success. However, I also remind them that every tournament is a new challenge. While it’s important to honor the past, we need to focus on the present, play our game, and seize the opportunities in front of us.
**Editor:** Hosting the first-round matchup at Dorrance Field creates a unique atmosphere. How important is home-field advantage going to be in this tournament run?
**Coach Nahas:** Playing at Dorrance Field is tremendous for us. Our fans are incredibly supportive, and the familiarity with our field definitely gives us an advantage. The players feed off the energy from the crowd, and we hope to create an electric atmosphere that makes it tough for our opponents.
**Editor:** After the match against USC Upstate, your team might face either Santa Clara or BYU in the second round. What are your thoughts on the potential matchups?
**Coach Nahas:** Both teams are strong competitors with rich soccer programs. We know that every match in this tournament will be challenging, but it’s up to us to focus on what we can control. We’ll study our opponents and prepare thoroughly. The goal is to take it one game at a time, starting with USC Upstate.
**Editor:** Lastly, how do you feel about your players heading into this tournament? What’s the overall mindset of the team?
**Coach Nahas:** The team is in a good place mentally and physically. They’ve been working hard, and there’s a palpable excitement in the air. Our players are motivated, focused, and ready to compete. We’ve talked about embracing the pressure and the moment, and we’re all eager to showcase our talent on the national stage.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Nahas, for your insights. Best of luck to you and the team in this tournament!
**Coach Nahas:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and hope to make everyone proud.