Keaton Eberle, Judith Retana, Chloe Rafferty
12 hours ago
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the greatest athletes in University of North Carolina history will not be allowed to try out for the U.S. Olympic team.
UNC-Chapel Hill officials released a statement Thursday saying Erin Matson was denied the opportunity to participate in tryouts for the U.S. field hockey team in Charlotte this weekend.
The decision came after Matson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the Pan Am Cup competition in Canada last month. She has been a member of the United States national team since she was 17 years old.
Matson, the current head coach of the UNC field hockey team, led the Tarheels to the NCAA National Championship in his first year at the helm of the program. She also won four national titles during her playing days and won the Honda Award as the nation's best player three times from 2018 to 2022.
“For mysterious reasons, Erin has been denied the opportunity to be considered for the U.S. Olympic Team at the April 7 trial in Charlotte,” UNC Board of Governors Chairman John Player said in a statement. “Why wouldn't American Field Hockey give the greatest American athlete of all time a chance to compete for a spot on the Olympic team? Erin meets all the criteria and has earned the full support of her colleagues and team at the University of Carolina. is willing, able and ready to go to Charlotte on Sunday with the support of .”
“Erin inspired generations of field hockey fans to love and embrace this great sport,” said UNC Board of Governors member Jennifer Evans. “In addition to her many contributions at the University of Carolina, she has been a member of the U.S. national team training program since she was 17 years old. During a brief 'sabbatical' from international competition, she led the team to the national team. Became the youngest Division I coach in history. Championship. Erin cares deeply about her sport and her teammates, and she wants to do everything she can to help popularize field hockey and help America win in Paris. Erin's skill, conditioning, and competitiveness will speak for itself…she just wants a chance to try out. ”
CBS 17 contacted USA Field Hockey and received the following statement:
“At this time, USA Field Hockey is declining further comment. The talented staff of the U.S. Women's National Team previously requested that Erin meet with her in Charlotte and is awaiting a response.”
This summer, Team USA will make its first Olympic appearance since Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
On Thursday night, Matson released the following statement about X:
I have proudly represented the United States many times since I was 13 years old, and I hope to continue to do so in the future. Back in February, I applied for a tryout to earn a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics. I met all selection criteria listed in the U.S. Field Hockey Bylaws. My desire was not to become an Olympian. My request was to be allowed to try it out. USA Field Hockey chose not to give me that opportunity. My heart is heavy, but I have moved forward.
Last week, I received an email from USA Field Hockey asking me to travel to Charlotte to discuss potential participation in the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. They didn't want to talk about the Paris Games and felt it was unfair to take time and attention away from a group in Charlotte that is training and focused on 2024. After the Paris Games, I will have plenty of time to talk about my involvement in the Paris Games. I look forward to having that discussion in 2026 and 2028.
I believe that change is needed in American field hockey. Success on the world stage requires a focus on drafting the strongest roster possible.
I like this game. I will continue to keep in mind what is best for American field hockey and what is best for Carolina in every decision I make.
I am grateful for the support my UNC family and the entire field hockey community has shown me. I'm a big shout out to the women I grew up playing with and to Team USA, who continues to make us all proud.
Erin Matson (@erinmatsonn)
