Making Of A Dynasty: Talkin' Texan

The North Texas soccer program, the most successful team in UNT history and led by the school's most accomplished coach, enters the 2020 season this fall with a target on its back, as usual. It comes with the territory of having won a league title in eight straight years and 16 since 2001. But what's led to this dynasty is much deeper than just the goals and wins. Over the coming weeks as the team prepares for its 26th season, we'll highlight a few of the outstanding people, characteristics, places and moments that have led this program to its elite status.

DENTON – In its 25-year-history, 236 women have suited up for the Mean Green soccer team.

Of the 236 women, all but two have come from the state of Texas and 199 were born and raised in one of the 11 counties that make up the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
No other NCAA DI women's soccer program claim that.

Just this coming year alone, 20 of the 21 other DI women's soccer programs in Texas have at least two out-of-state members on its active roster.

"I recruit locally because the DFW area and Texas in general is such a hotbed for great talent and most players want to have that chance to play in front of their family and friends throughout their collegiate career," said head coach John Hedlund. "UNT is the perfect place. Also soccer players who grow up playing in the Texas heat are tough mentally, they can withstand the 100-degree heat throughout the season which is a huge advantage especially in 90 minute games. It's important we have players who are used to that and know what it takes."

Soccer moms and families in general are well known for being a passionate group. But at North Texas, it's amplified and close knit. Every match, home or away, is like Thanksgiving.

With nearly all of its families being located within relative driving distance, the sense of community on the team and to the area has drawn some of the program's most accomplished student-athletes over the last 25 years.

"The program's winning tradition was a huge part of why I came here but to be at a school where my parents, family and friends could come see me all the time was just as important," said former team captain Natalie Newell who was raised in Murphy. "And to get to play with friends I grew up playing with in club and in high school was something I was looking for.

"I think that feeling of community and familiarity to go along with the successful history has been really important to our team's success and why so many talented soccer players in the area want to play at North Texas," she added.

Even the few who have come from out-of-state have felt at home at UNT. Even if their actual home is far different than Denton or Texas.

"From the first day I got here I felt like the team and girls on the team adopted me," said Aaliyah Nolan who played at UNT from 2018-2019. Nolan was born and raised in Bermuda but attended Navarro College before coming to North Texas. "But not just my teammates. The coaches and the parents too. Being comfortable and being accepted helped me play better and as a whole team helped us win championships."

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Natalie Newell

Aaliyah Nolan

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