The University of North Texas announced that the soccer field at Norma Knobel Hunt Stadium will be named John Hedlund Field, a tribute slated for an August 27 ceremony that will bring together players, alumni and university leaders.
Board of Regents approval cleared the way for the naming, underscoring the profound impact Hedlund has had on the program since he launched the women's team in 1995 and began his 32nd and final season as head coach.
Over three decades, Hedlund compiled a winning percentage that places him among the most successful coaches in NCAA history, guiding the Mean Green to 16 conference championships, including nine regular‑season titles and seven tournament victories.
His teams posted a 65‑match unbeaten run on home turf from 2009 through 2022, an NCAA Division I record that still stands, and they captured 80 percent of home matches while maintaining a 30‑year winning streak — a feat achieved by only two other coaches nationwide.
A Coach Who Redefined Excellence
Beyond the trophy cabinet, Hedlund’s influence rippled through the lives of his players, many of whom credit him with instilling discipline, confidence and a competitive spirit that extended into their professional and personal pursuits.
Before turning to coaching, Hedlund played professionally in the United States, appearing for the New York Express, Dallas Sidekicks and Dallas Rockets, scoring 15 goals in 78 games and contributing to championship squads in 1986‑87 and 1993.
A Milestone for the Program
The dedication ceremony will feature a plaque at midfield, a moment of reflection on the program’s growth, and a look ahead to the upcoming season, where the current roster aims to honor Hedlund’s legacy with its own pursuit of excellence.
Looking Ahead
As the team prepares for the next campaign, the new field stands as a permanent reminder of the standards Hedlund set, offering recruits a state‑of‑the‑art venue that embodies the program’s ambition and community pride, while his home in Denton continues to be a hub of support for the Mean Green.