In a thrilling matchup, the No. 1 North Carolina field hockey team, led by their 23-year-old first-year coach Erin Matson, claimed their 11th NCAA title on Sunday. The Tar Heels emerged victorious after an overtime shootout against the No. 2 Northwestern team, following a 1-1 tie in regulation.

Matson, who was hired as coach in January, has made history as the youngest Division I coach in the NCAA. Her remarkable playing career at UNC, which included four national championships and the title of leading scorer in ACC history and NCAA Tournament play, made her the most decorated player in the program's history. With an impressive 18-3 record this season, Matson successfully guided a team that included some of her former teammates to clinch the championship.

For Matson, this isn't her first taste of success on a national level. Last year, she scored the decisive goal that secured the Tar Heels' 2022 national championship win, also against Northwestern, completing a flawless season. Her exceptional performance on the field earned her the Honda Sport Award for Field Hockey three times, an achievement that only one other player had accomplished before her – Karen Shelton, her predecessor as head coach of UNC.

Matson's appointment followed Shelton's departure after an incredible 42-year tenure, during which the Tar Heels claimed 10 NCAA titles and 25 ACC championships. Shelton has hailed Matson as "The Michael Jordan of field hockey," emphasizing the young coach's immense talent and potential.

Sunday's match showcased the intensity of both teams, with UNC's Charly Bruder delivering a powerful goal in the third quarter to give the Tar Heels a 1-0 lead. However, Northwestern's Peyton Halsey retaliated with a penalty stroke in the final moments of the third quarter, equalizing the score at 1-1. The tie persisted, forcing the game into overtime, with no resolution reached even after two additional periods. In the end, UNC clinched the victory in a dramatic shootout.

The dominance of UNC field hockey has been undeniable in recent years. With this win, the Tar Heels have secured their seventh consecutive ACC title and have emerged victorious in five of the last six national championships.

Erin Matson's rise from celebrated player to head coach at the tender age of 23 is a testament to her exceptional skills, leadership ability, and dedication to the sport. Under her guidance, UNC field hockey has continued to flourish, adding another chapter to its rich legacy.