Soccer Legend Anson Dorrance to speak at UNCW Men’s Soccer kick-off banquet

WILMINGTON, NC — Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural UNCW Men’s Soccer Kick-Off Banquet, which will feature legendary Hall of Fame coach Anson Dorrance as the keynote speaker.

The banquet will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. in UNCW’s Golden Hawk Room. The event includes dinner, dessert and beverages, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dorrance along with the 2026 Seahawk men’s soccer team and coaching staff.

Individual tickets are available for $50, while table sponsorships begin at $750.

Dorrance is one of the most accomplished coaches in college soccer history. He led the University of North Carolina women’s soccer program from 1979 until his retirement in 2024, guiding the Tar Heels to 21 national championships during his tenure. He also coached the UNC men’s soccer team from 1977 to 1988.

In addition to his collegiate success, Dorrance served as the first head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, leading the Americans to victory at the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008 and finished his coaching career with more than 1,100 career victories.