The University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer program is entering a rebuilding phase after the loss of three top scorers — Olivia Thomas, Kate Faasse and Linda Ullmark — who accounted for a substantial portion of the team’s offense last season.
A recent exhibition match against South Carolina ended in a 1‑0 victory, with graduate midfielder Summer Denigan delivering the decisive goal in the closing minutes and first‑year forward Amari Manning providing the assist.
The Tar Heels have also brought in the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, a 12‑player cohort that includes standout forward Scottie Antonucci, the No. 7 recruit nationally, who already impressed with her performance against South Carolina.
First‑year forward Sealey Strawn made an instant impact, scoring in just seven minutes of the opening half and earning a starting role despite limited minutes.
Returning sophomores Bella Devey and Hope Munson are expected to be major threats, having been recognized as Preseason All‑ACC honorees and praised for their skill sets and experience.
However, the team may be without Amari Manning and Deus Stanislaus for the final six games of the regular season as they travel to the U‑17 World Cup in Morocco, a factor that could test the depth of the squad.
Coach Damon Nahas emphasizes that chemistry and cohesion will be essential, especially as the Tar Heels confront top‑10 opponents such as Michigan State and Arkansas early in the schedule.