UNC field hockey sophomore Erin Matson was recognized Thursday as the USA/NFHCA Division I South Region Field Hockey Player of the Year by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

Matson finished this season with 33 goals and 15 assists to lead the nation in scoring. She also helped lead the Tar Heels to their second consecutive undefeated season and NCAA Championship.

Late in the regular season, Matson traveled to India with the U.S. National Team to compete in Olympic Qualifying–missing three of UNC’s games. Still, though, the Tar Heels are 43-0 in games where Matson has played.

She was previously named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

“What an amazing season Erin had,” UNC head coach Karen Shelton said. “In addition to her considerable talent, she’s such a hard worker and a great team player, as evidenced by all the assists she has. She balanced her commitments to the U.S. National Team and traveled to India at the end of the season, and still was able to lead us to another conference championship and NCAA title.  She has a great supporting cast around her, but was obviously the standout and I’m thrilled to see her honored this way.”

 

 

 

Photo via Dakota Moyer

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