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Keaton Eberle and Judith Retana
4 hours ago
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the greatest athletes in University of North Carolina history has not been allowed to try out for the U.S. Olympic team.
UNC-Chapel Hill officials released a statement Thursday saying Erin Matson was denied the opportunity to participate in tryouts for the U.S. field hockey team this weekend in Charlotte.
The decision came after Matson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the Pan Am Cup competition in Canada last month. She has been a member of the U.S. national team since she was 17 years old.
Matson, the current head coach of the UNC field hockey team, led the Tarheels to the NCAA National Championship in his first year at the helm of the program. She also won four national titles during her playing days and won the Honda Award as the nation’s best player three times from 2018 to 2022.
“For mysterious reasons, Erin has been denied the opportunity to be considered for the U.S. Olympic Team at the April 7 trial in Charlotte,” UNC Board of Governors Chairman John Player said in a statement. “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 and has the full support of her colleagues and team at the University of Carolina. is willing, able and ready to go to Charlotte on Sunday with the support of .”
“Erin inspired generations of field hockey fans to love and embrace this great sport,” said UNC Board of Governors member Jennifer Evans. “In addition to her many contributions at the University of Carolina, she has been a member of the U.S. national team training program since she was 17 years old. During a brief ‘sabbatical’ from international competition, she led the team to the national team. Became the youngest Division I coach in history. Championship. Erin cares deeply about her sport and her teammates, and she wants to do everything she can to promote field hockey and help America win in Paris. Erin’s skill, conditioning, and competitiveness will speak for itself…she just wants a chance to try out. ”
CBS 17 contacted USA Field Hockey and received the following statement:
“At this time, USA Field Hockey is declining further comment. The talented staff of the U.S. Women’s National Team previously requested that Erin meet with her in Charlotte and is awaiting a response.”
This summer, Team USA will make its first Olympic appearance since Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
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