University of North Carolina Athletics
Heath & O’Reilly Elected To National Soccer Hall Of Fame
November 13, 2025 | Women's Soccer
FRISCO, Texas – The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced the 2026 Class Thursday afternoon. Two University of North Carolina women's soccer, U.S. National Team and National Women's Soccer League greats, Tobin Heath and Heather O'Reilly, are featured in this year's inductees. Both were elected into the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
Tobin Heath
One of the best to ever wear Carolina blue, Heath led UNC to three NCAA National Championships (2006, 2008, and 2009) and four-straight ACC titles. The no. 2 recruit in the country would go on to become an All-America honoree, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, and National Player of the Year Finalist during her time as a Tar Heel.
Heath also had one of the most storied careers on the U.S. National Team. Known for her prolific attacking, the forward went on to collect 181 caps while recording 36 goals and 42 assists. Heath is one of just 25 players in National Team history to tally a combined 50 goals and assists and ranks in the top 20 for all-time caps. In 2016, Heath was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
As a member of the National Team, Heath helped the U.S. women to two FIFA World Cup Titles (2015 and 2019) and three Olympic medals (gold – 2008 and 2012, bronze – 2021).
Heath also spent time in the NWSL with Portland Thorns FC and eventually wrapped up her club career with Seattle Reign FC. Over the course of seven seasons in Portland, the forward won two NWSL Championships including the inaugural title in 2013.
Heather O'Reilly
O'Reilly was a standout while competing for the Tar Heels. The midfielder helped lead UNC to two NCAA titles (2003 and 2006) where she was named the College Cup Offensive MVP both times. O'Reilly also contributed to three ACC Championships. The New Jersey native became one of the all-time greats to don the Carolina jersey after being named National Player of the Year, Honda Sport Award Winner for soccer, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-America. O'Reilly's no. 20 jersey was eventually retired by the UNC women's soccer program in 2008.
As a member of the National Team, O'Reilly became one of just four players to win three Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, and 2012). The midfielder competed with the National Team from 2002 to 2016 collecting 231 caps, 47 goals, and 54 assists. O'Reilly was also a member of the 2015 World Cup Championship team.
O'Reilly also had a stint in the NWSL playing for the Boston Breakers, Kansas City, and North Carolina Courage. During her time in the NWSL, the midfielder won a title in Kansas City (2015) and with the Courage (2018).
Most recently, O'Reilly captained the U.S. Women's team to back-to-back championships at The Soccer Tournament (TST). The tournament is a winner-take-all 7v7 competition with the winning team earning $1 million.
Intertwining Careers
Heath and O'Reilly's standout careers intertwined on both the collegiate and national team level. In 2006, O'Reilly was a senior for the Tar Heels while Heath joined the squad as a freshman. Both players made an impact on the pitch as Carolina went on to win the 2006 National Championship.
On the National Team, the pair made appearances in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics helping Team U.S.A. to gold medals in both. Heath and O'Reilly also played key minutes in the National Team's run to the World Cup Title in 2015.
In their time with both UNC and the National Team, Heath and O'Reilly contributed to several titles while cementing their careers as all-time greats.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Tobin Heath
One of the best to ever wear Carolina blue, Heath led UNC to three NCAA National Championships (2006, 2008, and 2009) and four-straight ACC titles. The no. 2 recruit in the country would go on to become an All-America honoree, MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, and National Player of the Year Finalist during her time as a Tar Heel.
Heath also had one of the most storied careers on the U.S. National Team. Known for her prolific attacking, the forward went on to collect 181 caps while recording 36 goals and 42 assists. Heath is one of just 25 players in National Team history to tally a combined 50 goals and assists and ranks in the top 20 for all-time caps. In 2016, Heath was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
As a member of the National Team, Heath helped the U.S. women to two FIFA World Cup Titles (2015 and 2019) and three Olympic medals (gold – 2008 and 2012, bronze – 2021).
Heath also spent time in the NWSL with Portland Thorns FC and eventually wrapped up her club career with Seattle Reign FC. Over the course of seven seasons in Portland, the forward won two NWSL Championships including the inaugural title in 2013.
Heather O'Reilly
O'Reilly was a standout while competing for the Tar Heels. The midfielder helped lead UNC to two NCAA titles (2003 and 2006) where she was named the College Cup Offensive MVP both times. O'Reilly also contributed to three ACC Championships. The New Jersey native became one of the all-time greats to don the Carolina jersey after being named National Player of the Year, Honda Sport Award Winner for soccer, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-America. O'Reilly's no. 20 jersey was eventually retired by the UNC women's soccer program in 2008.
As a member of the National Team, O'Reilly became one of just four players to win three Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, and 2012). The midfielder competed with the National Team from 2002 to 2016 collecting 231 caps, 47 goals, and 54 assists. O'Reilly was also a member of the 2015 World Cup Championship team.
O'Reilly also had a stint in the NWSL playing for the Boston Breakers, Kansas City, and North Carolina Courage. During her time in the NWSL, the midfielder won a title in Kansas City (2015) and with the Courage (2018).
Most recently, O'Reilly captained the U.S. Women's team to back-to-back championships at The Soccer Tournament (TST). The tournament is a winner-take-all 7v7 competition with the winning team earning $1 million.
Intertwining Careers
Heath and O'Reilly's standout careers intertwined on both the collegiate and national team level. In 2006, O'Reilly was a senior for the Tar Heels while Heath joined the squad as a freshman. Both players made an impact on the pitch as Carolina went on to win the 2006 National Championship.
On the National Team, the pair made appearances in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics helping Team U.S.A. to gold medals in both. Heath and O'Reilly also played key minutes in the National Team's run to the World Cup Title in 2015.
In their time with both UNC and the National Team, Heath and O'Reilly contributed to several titles while cementing their careers as all-time greats.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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