Meet Erin Matson, a former North Carolina Tar Heels field hockey player who now serves as the head coach of the team. 

image by:  JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

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Erin was named head coach on January 31, 2023, at just 22 years old, making her the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I history. Since then she has led her team to the NCAA championship semi finals. 

Since the beginning, Erin’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional. With a father who played college baseball and a mother who excelled in field hockey and softball, athleticism was in Erin's blood. When she picked up her first field hockey stick at age 6, her parents instantly recognized her talent. 

image by: Jeffrey A. Camarati, UNC Athletic Communications.

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By the age of 13, Erin had already gained national recognition and received offers from numerous Division I field hockey programs, including North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Boston College, and Princeton. After an unofficial visit, she knew UNC was the school for her saying, "it just feels like home."

From her very first game at UNC, Erin made an immediate impact. She became the all-time scoring leader in ACC history and remains the only athlete in the conference to earn Player of the Year honors five times. These remarkable achievements earned her the nickname "The Michael Jordan of Field Hockey."

Erin’s journey is a testament to self-advocacy. In the summer of 2022, shortly after graduating, Matson boldly pitched herself for the head coach position and applied for the role despite the stiff competition. Ultimately, her preparation and dedication secured her the job.

Although her team’s 2024 season ended with a loss to St. Joseph, the year was marked by growth, resilience, and determination. We can’t wait to continue following Matson’s inspiring journey.

Keep up with Erin's journey on socials @erin_matson

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