Erin Matson, head coach of the reigning national champion UNC field hockey team and four-time national champion player, was denied the opportunity to try out at the U.S. Olympic team trials in Charlotte on Monday. It is reported that.
UNC Board of Governors Chairman John Player issued a statement Thursday supporting Matson. Player called Team USA's decision “beyond understanding” and urged the organization to reconsider.
“Erin Matson is the greatest American field hockey player of all time,” Player's statement said. “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.”
The reason for Matson's denial is unclear, ABC 11 reported.
“At this time, the United States Field Hockey Association declines further comment,” the organization said in a statement to ABC 11. “The talented staff of the U.S. Women's National Team previously requested that Erin meet with her in Charlotte. , we are waiting for a response.''
Matson finished his playing career at UNC with a national championship in 2022. Matson was hired to replace longtime head coach Karen Shelton after she announced her retirement that winter. She finished her first season winning another national title in 2023. She won the Honda Sports Award three times as a player (Shelton is the only other field hockey player to win this award three times), and she was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year. 5 times a year. The Tar Heels won five consecutive ACC championships in addition to her four NCAA championships during Matson's playing career. In 2021, the ACC Network named Matson one of the top 10 female athletes in league history.
Matson has played for the U.S. national team since he was 17 years old. She was the leading scorer at the 2022 Pan American Cup in Chile and most recently represented Team USA at the 2024 Indoor Pan American Cup in March.
“Erin inspired generations of field hockey fans to love and embrace this great sport,” said board member Jennifer Evans. “Erin cares deeply about her sport and her teammates and wants to do everything she can to promote field hockey and help America win in Paris.”
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