She Starred at the University of North Carolina
Dunn’s dominance on the pitch continued through college. She committed to soccer powerhouse North Carolina, where she would rack up more individual and team accolades. Dunn was an immediate impact player as a freshman—ranking third on the team in points with nine goals and eight assists while starting all 23 games she played. She would be named all-ACC in her first year with the Tar Heels. She was the first ACC freshman to ever be awarded conference Defensive Player of the Year.
As Dunn’s skills progressed through college, she began to establish herself as one of the best college soccer players in the country. Despite missing non-conference play while training with the Under-20 U.S. national team, she returned to lead the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2012. She was moved from center back to center midfield during UNC’s title run, and assisted goals in both College Cup games.
Dunn received the sport’s top collegiate honor when she was awarded the Hermann Trophy. The award is annually given out to the nation’s best college soccer player. Past winners include current U.S. teammates Christen Press and Morgan Brian, along with U.S. soccer legend Mia Hamm, who also played for the Tar Heels.
