A legacy in the making
North Carolina field hockey is gearing up for its 53rd season of competition, a campaign that promises to extend a remarkable streak of excellence. The program has claimed 12 national championships and has finished among the nation’s elite in goals per game for 17 consecutive years, a run that includes ten straight ACC Tournament titles.
At the helm is head coach Erin Matson, a former All‑American who once held the record for most points in ACC and NCAA Tournament history. Matson, often compared to Michael Jordan for her impact on the sport, has guided the team to multiple national championships and continues to shape a culture of winning that permeates the locker room.
The returning leadership includes captains Charly Bruder and Grace Pottebaum, both of whom earned All‑American honors and have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. Bruder, the 2024 ACC Tournament MVP, leads the offense, while Pottebaum brings versatility and defensive steadiness.
This season the roster features 14 returning players and eight newcomers, including seven freshmen and a transfer. While the team must replace 67 % of its 2025 scoring output, the coaching staff sees the infusion of fresh talent as an opportunity to diversify the attack.
The schedule highlights two early non‑conference contests that will test the squad against top‑ranked opponents. A showdown with Michigan, ranked No. 14, is slated for August 28, followed by a clash with Iowa, ranked No. 11, on August 30. Both games will be played on the Tar Heels’ home turf in Chapel Hill, where the team also plans to host the 2026 ACC Tournament.
Preseason polls reflect the high expectations placed on the program. ACC coaches awarded North Carolina four first‑place votes, marking the thirteenth time in the last fourteen years that the team has entered the conference race as a favorite. Charly Bruder’s selection to the Preseason All‑ACC team underscores her status as one of the conference’s most feared attackers.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Tar Heels aim to defend their top‑10 goals‑per‑game standing and push for another championship run. The combination of Matson’s strategic vision, Bruder’s scoring prowess, and Pottebaum’s all‑around play positions the team to maintain its ACC dominance while chasing a historic tenth straight tournament title.