Erin Matson has long been a household name in the field hockey community: first as the star high school senior scoring world-class goals for the U.S. National Team in the 2018 Hockey World Cup, then as one of the best players to ever wear a University of North Carolina uniform. Now, as the Head Coach of the UNC field hockey program, she has led her team to three consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Championships and the 2023 National Championship. In her third season as the head coach, the star player turned powerhouse coach continues to build on UNC’s storied field hockey tradition while creating a legacy of her own.
Coming into the 2025 season, Matson was excited to see new players donning Carolina Blue. With eight freshmen and three transfers, the UNC coaching staff was challenged not only to build on the success of the previous season but also to introduce the UNC style of play to more new faces than in prior years. While the transition was daunting, Matson had confidence that her recruits would gel with the team. When recruiting players, she looks for more than just flashy skills. Being a great field hockey player is synonymous with the Tar Heel legacy, but if those great players “are selfish or don’t work hard, they won’t fit in the Carolina culture.” Matson has worked hard to develop a program that attracts players with a selfless playing style, strong work ethic, and joy for the game. This rang true with the 2025 roster additions, who “bring energy and excitement whenever they step onto the field.”
High energy and intensity are essential to thriving under Matson’s coaching. To her, tough practices are one of the key factors in UNC’s success. Hard work in training gives her players the confidence to succeed in big moments, like UNC’s 1-0 win over Virginia on October 10. At the time, UNC was ranked No. 2 in the nation and Virginia No. 3. The matchup was highly anticipated and tightly contested, but thanks to gritty defense and clinical offense, UNC pulled through with the win. In Matson’s eyes, this game was a turning point for her team, as they proved to themselves that they could “win under pressure.” Training for these high-pressure situations has paid dividends for the Tar Heels, who have edged opponents by just one goal in six matchups this season. Intense, organized, and purposeful practices are critical to the UNC field hockey culture, and they wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of both the coaching staff and players.
While Matson’s main priority is the success of her team, she also finds ways to give back to the sport through initiatives like the Tiny Heels Turf, which aims to strengthen the bond between the Tar Heel nation and the local community. The program began with Matson’s simple vision: to create an area where anyone, regardless of experience, age, or gender, could pick up a field hockey stick and play. Her vision materialized into installing a patch of turf next to the field at Karen Shelton Stadium, equipped with mini goals, balls, and sticks of all sizes. Matson also thought to have the area also include a clear view of the playing field, so aspiring athletes at the Tiny Heels Turf can cheer on the Tar Heels while getting some touches in. To her, field hockey is more than just a game; it is a gateway to “inspiring the next generation of athletes.” The Tiny Heels Turf is one example of how Matson’s personal goal of inspiring others has become part of the identity of UNC field hockey.
In Matson’s eyes, UNC Field Hockey is more than just a team; it is a way of life. She believes that all of her players should “feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves,” just as she did when she was a player. Matson believes that looking back on the history of Carolina Field Hockey and the great players who came before helps drive her team to be their best and inspires them to chase their dreams on and off the field. Her vision for Carolina Field Hockey is about more than just trophies and national titles. It is one of the unbreakable cultures, an enduring inspiration, and a program that continues to rise while leaving a lasting legacy.
