North Carolina field hockey coach Erin Matson says she will not be able to participate in this weekend's U.S. Olympic team trials.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina field hockey coach Erin Matson, one of the sport's most accomplished players, said she will not be able to participate in this weekend's U.S. Olympic team trials.
The 24-year-old, who led the Tar Heels to a national championship in her first season as head coach, posted a statement on social media about the decision on Thursday.
“My heart is heavy, but I have moved forward,” Matson said.
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported the ruling, saying USA Field Hockey said Matson was ineligible based on the selection process set for June 2023.
Matson returned to action last month as part of the U.S. team at the Pan Am Cup in Canada.
The News and Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina, reported Thursday that a spokesperson for USA Field Hockey told the paper the organization was open to further discussions. This included inviting her to a meeting in Charlotte, but Matson said her possible participation in international competition in 2026 or 2028 would be discussed. .
Matson was a four-time national champion as a player, three of which came during undefeated seasons. She finished her playing career in 2022 as a three-time National Player of the Year and the career scoring leader in Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA Tournament history.
Two members of the UNC Board of Governors issued statements supporting Matson's efforts.
“For reasons that are incomprehensible, Erin has been denied the opportunity to represent the United States Olympic Team at trial in Charlotte on April 7,” Trustee Chairman John Pryor said in a statement. “Why won't American field hockey give the greatest American athlete in history a chance to compete for a spot on the Olympic team?”
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