Anson Dorrance, 22x National Champion Coach of UNC's Women's Soccer Team on Leadership, Accountability, Parenting, and the Competitive-Cauldron

The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Episode Sumary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Anson Dorrance takes us on a deep-dive into his 47-year long career at the University of North Carolina where he's led the women's soccer team to an awe-inspiring 22 national championships.

About Anson Dorrance: Anson Dorrance IV is an American soccer coach. He is currently the head coach of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership, the Tar Heels have won 21 of the 41 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships. The Tar Heels' record under Dorrance stood at 809-67-36 (.887 winning percentage) over 33 seasons at the end of the 2017 season. He has led his team to a 101-game unbeaten streak and coached 13 different women to a total of 20 National Player of the Year awards.

The NCAA has recognized Dorrance as the Women's Soccer Coach of the Year seven times (1982, 1986, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006) and as the Men's Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987. On March 10, 2008, Dorrance was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

3 Key Takeaways:
1. We explore the pivotal role of data-driven practices and core values in creating a competitive and successful team.
2. Anson shares his passion surrounding his students leading a principle-centered life, instilling respect for authority figures, and setting lofty goals.
3. He shares fascinating anecdotes about his experiences coaching and molding competitive students into responsible adults.
4. Anson offers advice to students transitioning to elite universities, as well as challenging listeners to never give up on leadership.
Quotes From the Episode:
“Connection is critical.”
“Data is candor.”

Resources Mentioned:
University of North Carolina

Connect with Anson:
Twitter | Linkedin