At just 23 years old, Erin Matson has swiftly transitioned from star player to head coach, steering the University of North Carolina’s field hockey team into the 2023 NCAA tournament. Matson, who led the Tar Heels to the national championship as a player in 2022, now holds the distinction of being the youngest coach in Division I athletics.
Matson’s remarkable playing career culminated in her fifth year as a senior when she captured her fourth national title. She secured the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Northwestern in the NCAA championship game, cementing her legacy as one of the program’s greats. Throughout her collegiate tenure, she amassed the most points in ACC history and earned ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors in each of her five seasons.
Following her retirement as a player, Matson assumed the head coaching position, succeeding Karen Shelton, who stepped down after an impressive 42-year tenure in December 2022. The transition marked a significant moment for the program, entrusting its future to one of its brightest young stars.
Continuing a Legacy of Success
Matson’s influence has already been felt in her inaugural year as coach. Building on her own achievements as a player—where she helped UNC claim four ACC Tournament championships—she led the Tar Heels to another ACC title in 2023. The team secured a 2-0 win against Duke in the championship match, reinforcing UNC’s dominance in the conference.
With the NCAA set to announce the 2023 tournament bracket on Sunday night, expectations are high for Matson’s squad. As the top-ranked team nationwide, the Tar Heels are widely anticipated to earn the tournament’s number one seed, positioning them as strong contenders for another national title under their young coach’s guidance.