Erin Matson, a graduate of Unionville High School, just became one of the University of North Carolina field hockey’s youngest coaches at the age of 22, writes Pat Forde for Sports Illustrated.

She took over after West Chester University graduate Karen Shelton retired after 42 seasons.

Matson took off her now-retired No. 1 Tar Heels jersey for the last time over two months ago and stepped right back into the locker room. She led the team to an undefeated national title in late November, graduated with a degree in PR and advertising in December, and then became head coach on Jan. 31.

Not an easy feat to accomplish in modern athletics, Matson beat out a list of star candidates. Furthermore, the UNC field hockey program did not want to lose someone known as the Michael Jordan of field hockey. If they didn’t hire the charismatic, talented grad, then she would surely be swooped up elsewhere.

Now, she has established a different kind of relationship with players who were her teammates and roommates mere months ago. Yet, she is looking forward to the experience.

“They know me; they know how I roll,” she said. “My expectations and standards are the same as they have been for five years. I’m not sitting in here saying, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ I know probably too much about them.”

Read more about Erin Matson being named University of North Carolina’s head field hockey coach in Sports Illustrated.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in February 2023.