Add another award to the crowded trophy case of UNC star forward Erin Matson, who was selected Monday as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association South Region Player of the Year.
Matson recently scored the overtime game-winner in the Tar Heels’ NCAA championship game win over Michigan, giving head coach Karen Shelton’s program its third consecutive national title.
The junior from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania led UNC in scoring this season with 29 goals and nine assists in just 20 games — earning the Honda Sport Award for field hockey and ACC Offensive Player of the Year status.
She was also named the NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week three times during the 2020 season and this marks here second time earning the NFHCA South Region Player of the Year award.
During Matson’s three years in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels have gone 65-1 and won the NCAA championship in each season.
Over that time, Matson has played in 63 of those 66 games and accounted for 82 goals and 43 assists — which has already put her among the greatest UNC athletes of all-time across all sports even with one year of eligibility still remaining.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹
Ashley Hoffman Named Division I Field Hockey South Region Player of the YearUNC senior Ashley Hoffman was named the Longstreth/NFHCA Division I South Region Player of the Year on Thursday by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. This is the second straight year in which Hoffman has won this award. Hoffman played a key role in the Tar Heels’ 23-0 season culminating in the program’s seventh NCAA championship, […]
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 […]
![]()
Jury Selection in Hedgepeth Murder Trial, UNC Field Hockey Regains Star Trio – The Morning News (September 28, 2026)The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell substitutes for Aaron Keck and shares the latest local news stories on Monday, September 28.
This Week in UNC Sports: September 28-October 4, 2026After a relatively quiet in week featuring teams on the road or off entirely, plenty of Tar Heel action returns to Chapel Hill this week.
UNC Field Hockey Sweeps West Coast Trip as Fifth-Year Stars ReturnNo. 23 UNC field hockey swept its California road trip this weekend — and saw a trio of key contributors return to the field.
![]()
The Morning News: Chatham vs. Data Centers, CHCCS Board Vacancy, UNC Player EligibilityIn today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board will appoint a new member, and four UNC athletes have their eligibility restored.
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.
›
