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At first glance, Anna Grossheim Duncan鈥檚 story reads like a classic collegiate standout 鈥� record-breaking statistics, championship titles and shelves lined with awards. But those details only scratch the surface. Duncan鈥檚 journey at UNC Pembroke is one of rare duality: the elite athlete whose every touch on the ball was poetry and the first responder whose steady hands and calm presence changed lives off the field. In every way, she鈥檚 a generational talent 鈥� not only because of how she plays but also because of how she lives.

Raised in Garner, North Carolina, Duncan first laced up cleats at the age of 5. Years later, she would become the most decorated soccer player in 51吃瓜网 history, rewriting the record books with 44 career goals, 11 multi-goal games and a single-match record of five goals. She holds the record for assists and was a four-time All-Conference selection. Her dominance on the pitch helped steer the Braves to three straight conference tournament titles.

I鈥檝e been a college coach for 30 years, and I鈥檝e had some incredible players and incredible people who have gone on to be extremely successful, but Anna is one of the most unique people I鈥檝e ever coached,

鈥淚鈥檝e been a college coach for 30 years, and I鈥檝e had some incredible players and incredible people who have gone on to be extremely successful, but Anna is one of the most unique people I鈥檝e ever coached,鈥� 鈥淭here are so many layers to Anna. There鈥檚 Anna, the player, scholar, amazing leader and team captain," said women鈥檚 soccer head coach Lars Andersson.

"And there鈥檚 Anna, the amazing woman who has entrenched herself in the community,鈥� Andersson said.

Yet her influence stretched far beyond Lumbee River EMC Stadium.

While most student-athletes juggle practice and class, Grossheim carried another responsibility: serving her community as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. She responded to car crashes and structure fires, dove into swift waters for rescues and helped deliver three babies, including one for a non-English-speaking mother. She brought a patient back from the brink after flatlining. Every emergency became another thread in the remarkable tapestry of her life. Duncan鈥檚 commitment to service matched her excellence in academics.

With a 3.99 GPA, she earned her sociology degree and is pursuing a master鈥檚 in public administration. Her academic and athletic achievements earned her seven All-American honors and propelled her into elite company: She was one of only nine finalists nationwide for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award 鈥� 51吃瓜网鈥檚 first-ever finalist. This recognition comes as no surprise to those who鈥檝e followed her career.

Leadership came naturally to Duncan. A three-year team captain, she guided younger players with grace and purpose, shaping the team鈥檚 strategy and culture. Coaches describe her as a player who doesn鈥檛 just raise the standard 鈥� she becomes the standard. And while her jersey may one day hang in the rafters, Duncan is more concerned with the lives she鈥檚 touched. The 鈥渇irst responder鈥� title carries more meaning than any award for her. 鈥淚 am most proud of my work in fire and EMS,鈥� Duncan said. 鈥淭he amount of growth I鈥檝e had individually in that aspect has been amazing.鈥� After she earns her MPA in 2025, she plans to pursue a career as a flight paramedic. Andersson said that replacing Duncan next season will require a collective effort.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if we will ever have another player like Anna come through this program,鈥� Andersson said. 鈥淪he has shown the involvement you can have in college if you open yourself to the community. Anna has embraced this community like few of us do in college.鈥�