Tar Heel Duo Earns National Recognition on TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Teams
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Two standout players from North Carolina’s women’s soccer program are closing out the 2025 season with national honors, as TopDrawerSoccer unveiled its Postseason Awards and Best XI Teams. Freshman defender Hope Munson and junior forward Olivia Thomas both earned spots on this year's prestigious lists, adding more hardware to an already impressive campaign for the Tar Heels.
Let’s start with Munson, who’s been a revelation on the back line in her first year in Chapel Hill. Named to the Freshman Second Team, Munson didn’t just earn her minutes - she owned them.
One of only two freshmen on the squad to start 20 or more matches, Munson proved to be a rock in the defensive third. She logged full 90-minute shifts in 12 games, a testament to her fitness, consistency, and trust from the coaching staff.
Her contributions weren’t limited to defense either - with three assists on the year, Munson showed she's more than capable of pushing forward and impacting the attack. Defensively, she played a key role in six of Carolina’s shutouts, helping anchor a unit that was tough to break down all season.
Then there’s Olivia Thomas, the engine of UNC’s offense and now a member of the TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Third Team. If you followed the Tar Heels this season, you already know Thomas was the go-to weapon up front.
She led the team in goals (13), shots (94), and points (33), consistently creating chances and converting in big moments. Her postseason honors tell the story: First Team All-ACC, Second Team All-Atlantic Region, and now her first career selections as an All-American and Best XI honoree.
It’s been a breakout year for the junior forward, one that firmly places her among the elite in college soccer.
For Thomas, this recognition is the culmination of a season where she elevated her game and delivered when it mattered most. For Munson, it’s a promising start to what looks like a bright collegiate career. Together, they represent the present and future of a UNC program that continues to produce top-tier talent.
With postseason accolades rolling in, the Tar Heels are once again proving why they’re a perennial force in women’s soccer - built on a foundation of rising stars and proven leaders.