No surprise: Most of the greatest played for North Carolina, and a notch above them all was the Tar Heels’ Mia Hamm, who scored 103 goals, 72 assists and 278 points and won four NCAA titles.



Soccer America Women’s Player of the Century

Mia Hamm North Carolina (1989-90, 92-93)

Forward. The best player of the 1990s won two Hermann Trophies, two MAC awards and the ’94 Honda Broderick Cup.


Kim Maslin

George Mason (1983-86)

Goalkeeper. Starred on the 1985 national championship team.


Carla Werden

North Carolina (1986-89)

Defender. Anchored defense that allowed just 30 goals during her career.


Debbie Belkin

Massachusetts (1984-87)

Defender. Helped UMass to four straight final fours and scored 25 career goals.


Sara Whalen

Connecticut (1994-97)

Defender. Speedster excelled at sweeper, flank midfielder and up front.


Shannon Higgins

North Carolina (1986-89)

Midfielder. Scored gamewinners in three NCAA championships.


Kristine Lilly

North Carolina (1989-1992)

Midfielder. Versatile player was excellent in each of her four years.


Michelle Akers

Central Florida (1984-89)

Midfielder. UCF’s all-time leading scorer scored 52 goals and made 30 assists.


Julie Foudy

Stanford (1989-92)

Midfielder. She brought the Cardinal to national prominence.


April Heinrichs

North Carolina (1983-86)

Forward. Feisty scorer (87 goals, 51 assists, 225 points) was UNC’s first superstar and the best player of the 1980s.


Carin Jennings

UC Santa Barbara (1983-86)

Forward. Shifty dribbler scored 102 goals.