A Promising Start Amid Challenges
The University of North Carolina women's soccer squad opened its preseason with a 1‑0 victory over South Carolina, a win that highlighted the emergence of freshman forward Summer Denigan, who struck the decisive goal, and sophomore midfielder Amari Manning, who provided the assist.
Coach Damon Nahas praised the team's chemistry, noting that the arrival of a highly touted recruiting class, headlined by No. 7 recruit Scottie Antonucci and Sealey Strawn, adds depth and versatility as the roster rebuilds after losing key contributors.
Returning sophomore Bella Devey, who earned Preseason All‑ACC honors last season, will shoulder the task of filling the scoring void left by departed stars Olivia Thomas, Kate Faasse and Linda Ullmark, a challenge she embraces as the team integrates new talent.
However, the schedule also brings complications; several newcomers, including Manning and Deus Stanislaus, may be unavailable for the first three matches because of commitments to the U‑17 World Cup in Morocco, underscoring the importance of roster depth.
The Tar Heels will test themselves against top‑10 opponents such as Michigan State and Arkansas early in the non‑conference slate, a gauntlet that Nahas says will accelerate the development of on‑field cohesion and off‑field bonds.