'You gotta see this kid play:' The final shift of HAO

Posted Oct 5, 2019
Her nickname began as an Instant Messenger username, an easy mashup of her initials and her favorite pastime: “Soccer HAO.” A coach eventually took to just calling her “Hey-O!” and it stuck. He dropped soccer. HAO never did. Few American soccer stars have been more accomplished, more tenacious and more beloved than Heather Ann O’Reilly. (WRAL Sports Fan)

Related: Soccer

THT Newsletter: Derek Dixon Steps Up, Football Signs No. 12 Class, Big Test For Women's Basketball
Derek Dixon stepped up in a big way in UNC’s win over Kentucky, the Tar Heels signed the nation’s No. 12 football recruiting class, Women’s...
Thu Dec 4, 2025

Thomas, Faasse, Ullmark Named To United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Teams
United Soccer Coaches announced the 2025 Women's Soccer All-Region honorees Tuesday morning. Kate Faasse, Olivia Thomas, and Linda Ullmark represent the University of North Carolina...
Wed Dec 3, 2025

THT Newsletter: UNC Basketball Feast Week, Football 'Flip Season,' Dylan Mingo Trims List
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re enjoying some well-earned down time with friends, food, family, and Tar Heel sports. This weekend, we’ve got men’s and women’s...
Thu Nov 27, 2025

UNC Women’s Soccer’s Season Ends in Penalty Shootout in NCAA Tournament Round of 16
North Carolina Women's Soccer couldn’t hold on to a 1-0 lead late in the second half on Monday afternoon, and No. 2 seed TCU...
Mon Nov 24, 2025