UNC hires 22-year-old who just graduated to replace school legend
It didn’t take long for prolific field hockey star Erin Matson to find a job after graduating from the University of North Carolina in December.
On Tuesday, the university announced that Matson, 22, will succeed Karen Shelton as the next head coach of the Tar Heels team, becoming the sixth head coach in program history.
“To say I’m excited and honored to be the head coach of the UNC field hockey program is an understatement – this is a dream come true,” Matson said in a press release.
“This program means the world to me, and I will do whatever it takes to continue the excellence that is UNC Field Hockey.”
Matson is the most decorated field hockey star in UNC history. She led the Tar Heels to four NCAA championships and five Atlantic Coast Conference titles as a player and earned the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey three times, the second player to do so after Shelton. She finished her collegiate career as the alltime scoring leader in ACC history and in NCAA Tournament play.
Bubba Cunningham, UNC’s director of athletics, said Matson’s “deep and thorough knowledge of the game” made her stick out during their national search for a coach.
“She knows how to inspire, listen, teach and win – all qualities that will translate well to the sidelines and make her a terrific head coach,” Cummingham said of Matson. “We all look forward to supporting her as she transitions and leads in this this new role.”
As for anyone scratching their heads at Matson’s age, UNC notes that Shelton previously took over as head coach in 1981 at the age of 23, only one year older than Matson. Shelton went on to build a dynasty that includes a record-setting 10 NCAA championships and 25 Atlantic Coast Conference titles.
Shelton retired in December following 42 years as head coach. In 2018, the Tar Heels’ new field hockey stadium was named in her honor.
“I intend to honor the University of North Carolina, Coach Shelton, and the program’s history while working to find ways to achieve new heights, sideby-side with our Carolina community,” Matson said.