UNC field hockey head coach Erin Matson has been named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Sports” List for 2025, honoring young stars around the world who are “fearlessly leading sports into the future,” according to the magazine.
“Honored to be alongside such inspirational barrier breakers,” Matson said on social media. “Proud to represent Carolina and UNC field hockey.”
Matson is just 24 years old, yet has already cemented herself as one of the top figures in the history of Carolina athletics. Matson won four national championships in five seasons as a player, also taking home multiple ACC Offensive Player of the Year and Honda Award honors during her time in Chapel Hill. After graduating, Matson was named the program’s head coach following the retirement of Karen Shelton. Matson won another national championship in her first season leading the team and reached the national semifinals in her second.
Other names on the Forbes list include Boston Celtics star and NBA champion Jayson Tatum, WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. The list was curated a panel of judges which included Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn.
For a full look at the list, click here.
Featured image via UNC Field Hockey on Twitter
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
Win Streak Rolls On as UNC Field Hockey Shuts Out No. 16 LouisvilleUNC scored two goals in less than two minutes in the third quarter to break a scoreless tie, and the Tar Heels didn’t let up in a 3-0 win at No. 16 Louisville Friday afternoon. Off to the races! Heels keep rolling!#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/Qeb6CjBRnx — Carolina Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) October 2, 2026 The game […]
Are They Eligible? Keeping Up with UNC's Rece Verhoff, Cameron Fens and OthersStudent-athletes across the country are currently embroiled in an eligibility fight against the NCAA. The athletes, who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA’s new rules. However, the NCAA is countering that the rule only applies to students currently in college from the 2026-27 academic year forward. […]
This Week in UNC Sports: September 21-27, 2026This series of posts will be made weekly on Chapelboro with a full schedule of UNC sports contests, both in Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Note that game times and broadcast information are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors. It’s a lighter week for UNC sports as we approach the end of […]
UNC's Ryleigh Heck, Rece Verhoff Among Those Joining Indiana NCAA LawsuitUNC kicker Rece Verhoff and three former members of the field hockey team – including former All-American Ryleigh Heck – are joining a lawsuit against the NCAA out of the state of Indiana. The four players, as well as dozens of others from multiple sports who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth […]
This Week in UNC Sports: September 14-20, 2026The upcoming week offers several high-caliber matchups for multiple UNC teams both at home and on the road.
UNC Sports: Field Hockey, Women's Soccer Win; Volleyball Loses in New YorkSeveral UNC women’s sports teams were in action up and down the east coast Sunday. In Virginia, the field hockey team earned a 2-1 win at Richmond, while down in Chapel Hill the women’s soccer team cruised to a 5-0 win at Dorrance Field against NJIT. Meanwhile, up in New York City, the volleyball team […]
UNC Field Hockey Loses Late Lead, Falls to No. 20 Old Dominion at HomeDespite leading 4-1 in the third quarter and carrying a 4-2 lead into the final 15 minutes, UNC fell to No. 20 Old Dominion 5-4 in overtime at Karen Shelton Stadium Friday. The Tar Heels had race out to a 2-0 lead in a dominant first quarter, one which saw UNC hold the Monarchs without […]
UNC Field Hockey Beats No. 2 Princeton After Penalty ShootoutFreshman Sofia Ferri scored in the fifth and final round of a penalty shootout to help UNC beat No. 2 Princeton 1-0 at Karen Shelton Stadium Sunday afternoon. SHOOTOUT DUB ✅ HOUSE PROTECTED ✅#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/3pwTU3NUba — Carolina Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) September 6, 2026 The two teams had played to a scoreless draw after […]
UNC Field Hockey Throttles Penn for First Win of 2026 SeasonUNC led 4-0 at halftime on its way to a 7-0 thrashing of visiting Penn at Karen Shelton Stadium Friday night as part of the ACC-Ivy League Conference Crossover. The win is Carolina’s first of the 2026 season. Home sweet shutout home 🏡#GoHeels x @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/bQFxj7HqLf — Carolina Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) September 4, 2026 The […]
This Week in UNC Sports: August 31-September 6, 2026This series of posts will be made weekly on Chapelboro with a full schedule of UNC sports contests, both in Chapel Hill and elsewhere. Note that game times and broadcast information are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors. The first week of September means that fall sports are well and truly […]
›
