West Wake News

The North Carolina Courage, a leading team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), is celebrated for its significant role in women's soccer history. The club's achievements reflect a deep-rooted legacy within the sport, spanning from collegiate to professional levels.

North Carolina has been pivotal in numerous historic moments in women's soccer. "When we’re talking about American women’s soccer history, we have to say North Carolina is No. 1 because of everything Anson Dorrance built at North Carolina," said Jen Cooper, author of Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac. She highlighted the state's reputation as a "hotbed of women’s soccer."

The Carolina Courage, predecessor to NC Courage, was among the founding teams of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the first fully professional women's league globally. Originally planned for Orlando, the team moved to North Carolina due to its robust soccer culture.

Jen Cooper noted that relocating the team demonstrated "the strength of North Carolina as a soccer market." This move was supported by an abundance of talent from local universities like Duke and Wake Forest.

Carla Overbeck, a former player for UNC and coach at Duke since 1992, played a key role in WUSA's formation. As part of the USWNT 99ers with 168 caps, she expressed pride in contributing to establishing a professional league: “I’m really proud of our team and how we went about our business and fought to bring a women’s professional league to the United States.”

Initially playing at UNC's Fetzer Field, the Courage later moved to First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Overbeck described it as an "unbelievable state-of-the-art stadium" with Bermuda grass fields.

Cooper remarked on its uniqueness: “Of all the teams, it was the first to be in something that was basically their own venue.” This set it apart from other venues used by WUSA teams.

The roster included international stars like Birgit Prinz and Hege Riise. Overbeck stated that many internationals joined because it was "the best arena for women that wanted to play professionally."

After finishing last in WUSA's first season, the Courage won regular-season honors in 2002 with Overbeck scoring a crucial goal while pregnant during semifinals against Atlanta Beat. She recalled: “I was chasing... trying to keep up with Birgit... Briana [Scurry] made a huge save and I was in the right place.”

In Founders Cup II final against Washington Freedom, they triumphed 3-2 under coach Marcia McDermott—marking her as first female coach leading such victory.

Though WUSA folded after three seasons laying groundwork for future leagues including NWSL & NC Courage; Overbeck reflected: “You have these proud moments… think that 99ers had small part getting it where now is pretty special.”

From youth through college into pros—North Carolina remains central making history within women’s game ensuring tradition continues forward many seasons ahead.