Build a Foundation
“The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat,
at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is watching.”
Meet Anson Dorrance the Architect of the Systems and Mindset Methods You’re About to Learn and Former University of North Carolina Soccer Coach.
He is the most successful coach in NCAA history in any sport. However, Anson sees himself as much more than a coach, a mentor, a teacher, and, in many ways, a guide. He believes his role wasn’t just about teaching the game of soccer—it was about helping these young athletes navigate life, develop character, and unlock their potential. He felt he existed to challenge them, to push them to places they didn’t think they could go, and to celebrate their growth, both as athletes and as people.
His relationship with the women who’ve played on his teams is deeply personal. He believes that coaching is about connection. That players aren’t just athletes, to him they’re individuals with dreams, fears, and incredible potential. He’s seen and accepted them at their best and their worst, and feels it has been his privilege to walk alongside them on their journeys. He thinks of them as family—because that’s what he built at UNC. It’s not just a soccer program, it’s a community of people who care about each other, who push each other, and who share a bond that lasts far beyond their playing days.
The most rewarding part of his job isn’t the championships or the accolades—it’s seeing these women go out into the world and thrive. It’s knowing that the lessons they learned on the field—about resilience, accountability, and teamwork—are helping them succeed in their careers, their relationships, and their lives. That’s the legacy he’s most proud of.
He has been able to help women at University of North Carolina and the USWNT, tap into their potential and dedicate themselves to working to the best of their abilities. Talent isn’t enough. Champions also require significant mental training.
The Tar Heels secured their 23rd national title in 2023, making history again adding to their all-time record of 152-18-5—no other schools have more than 83 wins in the NCAA tournament. And, UNC has also appeared in 32 College Cups, including five of the last seven—no other team has been in more than 14. One might believe that Anson knows a secret sauce for unlocking potential. He’s been able to do it for over four decades with new sets of players coming as the seniors are leaving.
This course contains his philosophies and methods.
Ask the Anson Chatbot a Question such as:
What is the Competitive Cauldron, and how does it help players develop?
Talk to me about the Narrative to the Truth.
Why do you emphasize playing with joy, and how does it impact performance?
What’s the most important leadership quality a player can develop?
How do you help players turn failure into growth?