23-year-old Matson Leads NC to NCAA Field Hockey Championship

North Carolina’s Youngest Championship-Winning Coach

This year, the youngest coach in NCAA Division I sports has also become the youngest to win a championship. Erin Matson, 23, completed her first season as head coach of the North Carolina field hockey program with a thrilling double-overtime victory over Northwestern, clinching the NCAA final.

Erin Matson’s Spectacular Debut Season

Matson’s debut season as a coach was nothing short of spectacular, ending with a 2-1 home victory against Northwestern in the NCAA final. The success of her first season cannot be overstated. “There are no words for this… Nothing tops a national championship on your home field… It’s special,” she said.

From Player to Coach: Erin Matson’s Journey

Matson’s journey from being a player to a championship-winning coach is a fascinating one. Last year’s final saw Matson score the game-winning goal with a little over a minute remaining. Her exceptional performance on the field over five years earned her the title of ‘the greatest college field hockey player ever.’ When former Tar Heels coach Karen Shelton retired after the 2022 victory, Matson was offered the job, despite being only 22.

A New Challenge for Matson

In her new role as a coach, Matson has shown she’s more than capable of handling the challenges. Her Tar Heels achieved a 12-3 regular season record, won the ACC title, and secured the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. All four tournament games were played on their home field, with UNC beating Virginia in a national semifinal to set up a championship rematch with Northwestern.

Erin Matson’s Success as a Coach

Matson’s success as a coach can be attributed to her experience as a player. Sophomore forward Ryleigh Heck praised Matson, saying, “Playing for one of the best players, or the best player in the world, is just an epic experience, and I’m so grateful. I think that she is showing people all over the world that she is doing something impossible, and it’s proven because we just won a national championship and I give her full credit.”

Matson’s Success Adds to North Carolina’s Legacy

The victory extends North Carolina’s record for Division I field hockey championships. Notably, old Dominion comes second, having won all nine titles during a 19-year span starting shortly after the first NCAA tournament in 1981. As for Matson, she expressed her excitement for the event stating, “I don’t know what more you would want in a national championship matchup than tied at the end of regulation, two overtimes, sudden death shootouts — just a phenomenal atmosphere.”

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