The Carolinas have bred some of the world’s greatest athletes, and these women are keeping the legacy alive as they set to compete in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Eighteen players with North Carolina or South Carolina ties take the world stage, representing the United States or other countries playing in this year’s international competition.
North Carolina ties on the U.S. Women’s National Team
On the USWNT roster for the World Cup, five players have played for a North Carolina university or for the state’s professional NWSL team, North Carolina Courage.
Emily Fox (defense) came to the Tar Heel State as a true Tar Heel. She joined the UNC-Chapel Hill soccer team in 2017, became the first draft pick in the 2021 NWSL draft, and was traded back to North Carolina to play for the NC Courage. This is her first FIFA World Cup.
Crystal Dunn (defense) was a standout freshman during her time at UNC and continued adding to her extensive resume by becoming part of the USWNT’s impenetrable backline since 2013. As a Tar Heel, Dunn was an All-American Freshman and became the first freshman ever to win the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award. When she played for the NC Courage, she led the team to two championships before being traded to the Portland Thorns.
Casey Murphy (goalkeeper) was part of the bittersweet Crystal Dunn trade in 2020. In 2021, she tied the league record for shutouts in a season, bringing NC Courage to 6th place in the league.
Lynn Williams (forward) may not have played for a North Carolina school, but her championship titles with the Courage solidify her as an N.C. soccer great. She currently plays on the New York Gotham FC roster. In her first appearance with the national team, she scored within the first minute of play.
Aubrey Kingsbury (goalkeeper) played for the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University before being drafted to the Washington Spirit, where she was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019 and 2021. She is the first alumna from Wake Forest to appear in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
International players making the Carolinas proud
UNC-Chapel Hill has five former Tar Heels representing other countries in this year’s World Cup.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (defender, Class of 2019), Alessia Russo (forward, Class of 2019), and Lucy Bronze (defender, Class of 2009) are playing for the Lionesses of England.
Katie Bowen (defensive midfielder, Class of 2015) represents the host country New Zealand.
Satara Murray (defender, Class of 2014) is playing for her home country of Jamaica.
Three graduates of Duke University are playing in this World Cup after playing on the same collegiate squads. Toni Payne (forward) and Quinn (midfielder) both played for the 2015 powerhouse Blue Devils team and now will be representing Nigeria and Canada, respectively. Kayla McCoy (forward) joined Duke in 2017 and played alongside Quinn. McCoy is playing for the Jamaican National Team.
Former Clemson standout Kailen Sheridan (goalkeeper) joins Quinn on the Canadian National team for her second World Cup.
How to watch the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The games will air on Telemundo Charlotte.
The USWNT plays its opening game on Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time against Vietnam.
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