UNC field hockey head coach Erin Matson will be featured on the latest episode of the ABC series “The Champion’s Edge with Bonnie Bernstein.” The series, which premiered in May, “highlights women excelling in their professional fields and spotlights the lessons they have learned as athletes that drive their successes while featuring practical advice on sports nutrition, mental preparation, and injury prevention,” according to a release shared Monday.
The upcoming 2026 season will be Matson’s fourth as head coach of the UNC field hockey program. She helped the Tar Heels win their 11th national championship in her first season in charge in 2023, and UNC reached the national semifinals in each of the last two years.
Prior to coaching, Matson established herself one of the best athletes in school history, regardless of sport. In her five seasons, Matson won five ACC Offensive Player of the Year awards and three Honda Sport Awards while leading UNC to five ACC Tournament titles and three national championships. She finished her playing career as the all-time leading scorer in ACC and NCAA Tournament history, and in 2021 was named by the ACC Network as one of the top 10 female athletes in league history.
Matson was named the fifth head coach in UNC program history in January of 2023. At 22 years of age at the time of her hiring, she became the youngest coach in Division 1 history. Ten months later, she became the second-youngest coach to win a national championship.
“Erin reflects on the pressure of leading former teammates while building a culture rooted in accountability, empathy, and team-first mentality,” read the release teasing Matson’s episode. “After facing the devastating setback of not making the Olympic team, Erin was forced to confront her need for external validation and chose to redefine success on her own terms. Through mentoring young athletes and empowering the next generation of leaders, Erin illustrates how sports can shape confidence, character, and purpose — proving that greatness is not measured by individual accolades, but by the impact you leave on others.”
The Champion’s Edge airs weekend mornings nationwide. Check your local listings for specific broadcast information.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati
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