Paris Olympics 2024: Who Is Erin Matson? A Closer Look at the 24-Year-Old Field Hockey Star Demanding a Change

Erin Matson embarked on a journey from the field to the sidelines and her illustrious career in field hockey seemed destined for Olympic glory. With a shining NCAA career, Matson was one of the two youngest players to make it into the US national team at the age of 16. 

Securing a national title in her debut season as a head coach, Matson emerged as an extraordinary in the sport. But despite her unparalleled success, Matson’s path to the pinnacle of international competition hit an unexpected roadblock. In a recent startling revelation, Matson disclosed how she was denied the chance to battle for a coveted spot in the US Field Hockey Olympic team by the governing body of the sport.

Erin Matson, the field hockey phenom’s rise, triumphs, and Olympic setback

As Matson’s story unfolds, such a piece of news came as a shock to many given Matson’s stellar performances and undeniable talent. After a meteoric rise in the field, she now finds herself on the sidelines as she fails to run behind her own Olympics dreams. 

Making her entrance in the field at the tender age of 6, Matson has been weaving tales for her teams. Leading the Tar Heels to victory for four consecutive years in the NCAA championship, Erin Matson rightfully received the title of the ‘Michael Jordan of Field Hockey’. She received the title of both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year every time she represented Tar Heels. 

Graduating as one of the nation’s most celebrated field hockey players, she stepped into a new arena. On January 2023 Erin Matson was crowned with the title of the head coach for North Carolina Tar Heels. Her new journey too was filled with endless achievements as Matson became the second youngest NCAA Division I coach in history to secure a victory in the NCAA following the wrestling coach Myron Roderick who was just 2 months older than her. 

Besides having a phenomenal college career both as an athlete and as a coach, Erin Matson also won two bronze representing the USA in the Pan American Games in 2019 and the Pan American Cup in 2017 respectively. Despite having such a splendid career studded with victories, she was denied an opportunity to try out for the Olympics. In a recent X post, she wrote, “My request wasn’t to be an Olympian. My request was to allow me to try out. USA Field Hockey chose not to grant me that opportunity”. 

Champion’s resolve and the call for change in USA Field Hockey

Fans can’t help but only anticipate the continued brilliance that Erin Matson will bring to the realm of field hockey. As she looks ahead, she has resolved to advocate for change within USA Field Hockey. While the immediate path to the Olympics may have been obstructed, Matson’s journey is far from over.

Now, faced with an unexpected setback, Matson’s resolute dedication to her sport drives her onward, sparking a demand for reform and fairness within the realm of USA Field Hockey. As Matson navigates the next chapter of her career, one thing is certain, with each step forward, she will reaffirm her status as not only a remarkable athlete but also a beacon of hope in the world of field hockey. 

Read More: Will the 4x NCAA Champion Make a Comeback to USA Field Hockey After Team’s Triumphant Qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics?