When UNC forward Luke Hille's name was announced in the starting lineup, a chorus of boos rang out across Dorrance Field. They came from a scattered number of Wolfpack fans who jeered at Hille for his decision to transfer from N.C. State University to UNC.
Those boos continued every time the senior touched the ball — until he silenced them in the 11th minute.
Following a set piece, Hille struck an uncleared ball with a first-time half-volley into the bottom corner of N.C. State’s goal, prompting an “I can’t hear you” celebration as he passed by his former team's bench.
“The cheers overshadowed the boos,” Hille said.
His early goal paced UNC's 2-0 win over the Wolfpack on Friday night at home. It was the Cary native's fourth goal of the season, establishing him as the second-leading scorer for North Carolina and a prominent addition to the Tar Heel attack.
Yet, in the week leading up to Hille's first game against N.C. State since he transferred, head coach Carlos Somoano chose to avoid the elephant in the room altogether. He continued his mantra that it's UNC vs. UNC every game and outside distractions — even rivalries and history with former teams — have no place in the locker room.
For Hille, this meant separating his emotions from his mindset. So even though he became the recipient of a few hard fouls and plenty of choice words from former teammates, the striker never retaliated.
“As an adult, you learn how to compartmentalize and concentrate on what's gonna help you be successful, as opposed to just [being] emotional,” Somoano said.
And Hille's ability to do so has led to his success. That's why when he put his name in the transfer portal at the end of last season, Somoano already knew what the striker was capable of.
