Erin Matson, former UNC field hockey legend, accepts HC job for Tar Heels

Erin Matson is one of the most decorated athletes in North Carolina history. The 22-year old field hockey legend left the program this past season for the last time as a player.

Now, she’s back. North Carolina announced Tuesday that Matson has been named the field hockey team’s next head coach, following in the footsteps of Karen Shelton, the winningest head coach in the sport’s history.

How about that?

Here are more of Matson’s accolades to give you a sense of how dominant she was as a player for the Tar Heels. Matson is first in NCAA history in points and goals scored, was a 3-time Player of the Year, 5-time ACC Player of the Year, a 4-time national champion and 5-time ACC champion in 5 seasons in Chapel Hill.

North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham released a statement on the groundbreaking hire Tuesday.

“Erin is an outstanding leader who has a deep and thorough knowledge of the game, understands the balance it takes to be a successful student and athlete, and is determined to expand and propel the winning tradition of Carolina Field Hockey,” Cunningham said

. “She knows how to inspire, listen, teach and win – all qualities that that will translate well to the sidelines and make her a terrific head coach. We all look forward to supporting her as she transitions and leads in this this new role.”