The UNC women’s soccer team saw its successful season come to an end earlier than expected, watching a 3-goal, second-half lead disappear in a 4-3, Elite Eight loss to BYU.
Carolina had title aspirations, especially coming off a runner-up finish to UCLA the year before. BYU, however, was top seed for a reason.
Despite the disappointing end, UNC saw several players earn honors.
One of those players was forward Isabel Cox, a Greensboro, N.C. native who played in 21 of Carolina’s 23 games. Cox set a UNC record with 110 career matches played, which also ranks third all-time in NCAA history.
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UNC will definitely miss Cox next year, as she is one of seven Seniors set to graduate. Cox helped anchor a defense that only allowed multiple goals three times.
The Heels’ best stretch of 2023 play came in October, when they only allowed multiple goals in their first-round, ACC Tournament loss to Pitt.
Despite Cox and several of her senior teammates leaving, Carolina’s current roster lists 22 returners. 10 of those will be rising juniors, eight will be rising sophomores and four will be juniors.
Will 2024 finally be the year UNC snaps its championship drought? The Tar Heels have won an NCAA-record 21 titles, but haven’t captured one since 2012.
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