Erin Matson’s playing career with UNC field hockey saw her earn essentially every honor and level of success possible for a player. But despite seeing her collegiate eligibility exhausted after five seasons with the team, Matson isn’t going to be leaving Chapel Hill.

The university and field hockey program announced Tuesday afternoon that Matson will take over as the team’s next head coach.

“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. “This program means the world to me, and I will do whatever it takes to continue the excellence that is UNC Field Hockey.”

Matson replaces Karen Shelton, who retired after the 2022 season, her 42nd with the program. Shelton was the fourth coach of UNC’s field hockey team, but took over when she was 23 years-old and ultimately built the program into a powerhouse.

As a player under Shelton, Matson won four NCAA championships in five seasons, three of which were unbeaten — including 2022. Matson was named ACC Player of the Year in all five of her seasons with the Tar Heels, and won the Honda Sport Award three times.

“Erin is an outstanding leader who has a deep and thorough knowledge of the game, understands the balance it takes to be a successful student and athlete, and is determined to expand and propel the winning tradition of Carolina Field Hockey,” said UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham. “She knows how to inspire, listen, teach and win – all qualities that that will translate well to the sidelines and make her a terrific head coach. We all look forward to supporting her as she transitions and leads in this this new role.”

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