The 1996 NCAA Division I women's soccer tournament was the 15th annual single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I women's collegiate soccer. The semifinals and championship game were played at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California during December 1996.
North Carolina defeated Notre Dame in the final, 1–0 (in two overtimes), to win their thirteenth national title. Coached by Anson Dorrance, the Tar Heels finished the season 27–0–1. North Carolina returned to the championship after appearing in all thirteen finals prior to 1995.
The most outstanding offensive player was Debbie Keller from North Carolina, and the most outstanding defensive player was Nel Fettig, also from North Carolina. Keller and Fettig, along with eleven other players, were named to the All-tournament team.
The tournament's leading scorers, with 5 goals each, were Danielle Fotopoulous from Florida and Amy Van Laacke from Notre Dame.
Qualification
All Division I women's soccer programs were eligible to qualify for the tournament. The tournament field expanded again, increasing from 24 to 32 teams, and for the third time in the previous five years.
Eleven conferences sent automatic bids to the tournament, accompanied by twenty-one at-large bids.
Records
Bracket
All-tournament team
Justi Baumgardt, Portland
Mandy Clemens, Santa Clara
Robin Confer, North Carolina
Lorrie Fair, North Carolina
Nel Fettig, North Carolina (most outstanding defensive player) Jen Grubb, Notre Dame Regina Holan, Portland Debbie Keller, North Carolina (most outstanding offensive player) Jennifer Lalor, Santa Clara Cindy Parlow, North Carolina Jen Renola, Notre Dame Laurie Schwoy, North Carolina Jenny Streiffer, Notre Dame