This article was written by a student writer from our Maryland campus chapter.
24-year-old Erin Mattson has an incredible resume
Matson, nicknamed the “Michael Jordan of field hockey,” won four national titles in five seasons as a player at the University of North Carolina. The following season, she became UNC's head coach, leading the Tarheels to ACC and NCAA titles, becoming the youngest head coach in Division I history to win a championship. With the 2024 Paris Olympics just around the corner, Matson would seem like the obvious choice for Team USA. However, that doesn't add to her resume.
On April 4, Matson released a statement saying that he was denied the opportunity to try out for the team despite meeting all eligibility requirements. It is noteworthy that she has been a member of Team USA since the age of 17.
The federation defended its decision in a statement days after Matson. They argued that Matson did not meet the criteria for his invitation because he had not recently appeared in any domestic or international matches required for evaluation. However, like many sports, it is very common for a field hockey player to take a year off during the Olympic period.
“Why wouldn't American field hockey give the greatest American athlete in history a chance to compete for a spot on the Olympic team?” UNC Board of Governors Chairman John Player said, “Erin meets all the criteria. “I am willing, able and ready to travel to Charlotte on Sunday with the full support of my colleagues and team at Carolina.”
Team USA invited Matson to discuss playing with the team in 2026 and 2028, but she declined, saying she didn't want to take time and attention away from the team she will be joining this summer.
The U.S. women's field hockey team has not competed in the Olympics since 2016 and hasn't won a medal since 1984. The committee would be wise to focus on selecting the strongest possible squad, not just those who have just come off the field. Only then can the sport of field hockey make headlines in America for its successes, not its controversies.
