Despite no Tar Heel games on Tuesday, the afternoon was anything but quiet for many Carolina fans.

The UNC field hockey announced its hiring of Erin Matson, perhaps the most decorated player in collegiate field hockey history, to replace retiring head coach Karen Shelton. Matson, a 22-year-old who graduated from Carolina in December, played five seasons with the Tar Heels. During that time, she won four national titles, three National Player of the Year honors, and earned both ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Championship every season she played. Additionally, Matson holds the records for most points and goals in NCAA field hockey history.

But now she’s taking on a new challenge: succeeded Shelton, who built the UNC field hockey program into a dynasty. The legendary head coach, who announced her retirement shortly after winning the 2022 national title, first took over the Carolina field hockey team as a 23-year-old in 1981.

Once UNC released its statement of Matson’s hire, it lit social media ablaze. Many Tar Heel athletics accounts and university leaders, like Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham and Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, shared their congratulations to the former player.

And then there were the posts from UNC students, fans and others around the athletics world, which included shock and elation.

UNC said in its release that Matson will begin the position effective immediately. The 2023 UNC field hockey season will begin in the fall.

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