Matson He did not address USA Field Hockey's claim that he was denied a 2023 tryout. Instead, she said she requested a tryout in February 2024, but USA Field Hockey chose not to give her that opportunity.
she The United States Field Hockey Association asked her to go to Charlotte last week to discuss the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but it would be inappropriate to take the organization's focus away from athletes training for the 2024 Games. He said he declined because he felt it was fair.
Matson's failure to participate in the team's tryouts caused an uproar. UNC Mr. John Player, Chairman of the Board; Trustee Jennifer Halsey Evans and UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham everyone raised their voice support.
The UNC Board of Governors issued a statement supporting Erin Matson being given the opportunity to try out for the U.S. Olympic team at the April 7 trials in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/TTQ54yXIDb
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) April 4, 2024
“Why wouldn't American field hockey give the greatest American athlete in history a chance to compete for a spot on the Olympic team?” Player said in a statement.
only last month, Matson attended the game wearing a Team USA jersey. The 2024 Indoor Pan American Cup will be held in Calgary, Canada. She scored two goals as the U.S. took the lead and was active in the shootout after overtime. He helped the team bring home the gold medal.
Matson's tweet after the win was simple.
Go heel, go America! everytime. https://t.co/Z2ICo15Hti
— Erin Matson (@erinmatsonn) March 27, 2024
Matson's family also took to social media to express their disappointment with the decision. Her father, Brian Matson, told USA Field Hockey: “The decision not to offer a tryout is your choice and not a selection criteria issue.”
The decision not to offer a tryout is your choice and not a selection criteria issue. (Read more ⬇️1/5) https://t.co/m9MkSlg1cG
— Brian Matson (@brianpmatson) April 6, 2024
Matson's father went on to say that no special exception was requested and the decision was made to bar her from tryouts. “It was a choice that was not limited by the wording of your choice policy.”
Matson said in a statement that he believes in field hockey in the United States and called for changes to the system. “To be successful on the world stage, the focus should be on drafting the strongest roster possible.”
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Meanwhile, Matson The schedule continues to focus on North Carolina and the final two games of the spring season.
“my The request was not to become an Olympian. “My request was that I be allowed to try out,” Matson said in a statement, adding, “USA Field Hockey has chosen not to give me that opportunity. It is with a heavy heart that I move forward. It has progressed.”
@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com
