When Anson Dorrance

WHEN ANSON DORRANCE began coaching college soccer, his attention was pulled in many directions. But the University of North Carolina coach refused to give his women’s team less than his best, and eventually he helped guide the ladies to an amazing 500 victories.

Born in Bombay, India, Dorrance grew up playing soccer all over the world. Three years as an All-Conference soccer player at UNC cemented his love for the game. While attending law school, Dorrance held a part-time job as a UNC men’s soccer coach. In 1979, the University offered him a full-time position for $12,500 if he would take over the women’s program too.

The law student accepted the challenge. Eventually, he realized something had to give, and Dorrance bade farewell to the legal profession.

For ten years, the soccer coach led both programs, posting a 172–65–21 mark—even winning six NCAA titles with the women’s team. In 1989, Dorrance began devoting his energies solely to the UNC women’s team and helped them capture 11 national collegiate crowns.

Ranked No. 1 in the nation during 2001, the Tar Heels faced 14th-ranked Clemson for the Atlantic Coast Conference lead. Anne Morrell of the Tar Heels scored a goal in the game’s first three minutes, and Anne Remy added two in the second half as North Carolina coasted to a 3–0 triumph. Dorrance became the first NCAA women’s soccer coach to record 500 victories, moving his career mark to 500–22–11.

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POINT People wondered when Anson Dorrance slept. Dividing his time between law school, men’s soccer, and the women’s team left little time. Finally, Dorrance realized he should give more careful attention to the UNC women. And his devotion paid off with success.

The writer of Hebrews urged the people to pay attention to what they had learned about God. That way, they wouldn’t drift away from their faith.

In life, we need to realize the same thing. Busyness and inattention can cause problems. It’s easy for our mind to wander in church or when we read the Bible and pray. Our heavenly Father wants us to pay close attention to what’s important.

GOAL! Make a list of things that are important to you.