A New Chapter for the Tar Heels
As the 2026 season approaches, the University of North Carolina’s field hockey program stands on the brink of another historic chapter. Having captured nine ACC titles in a row, the Tar Heels enter the campaign as the defending champions, riding a 21‑2 record from the previous year.
Head coach Erin Matson, who took the reins in 2023, brings a remarkable personal milestone: only two true road defeats in her tenure. Yet this year she will guide a completely reshaped squad, one that no longer includes the departed stars Ryleigh Heck, Sietske Brüning, Dani Mendez, or Sanne Hak. The new roster, featuring rising talent such as Isabel Boere, must prove that the program can maintain its dominance despite the turnover.
The schedule presents a stern test. UNC will play eight of its 18 regular‑season matches on the road, highlighted by a five‑game stretch that begins with trips to Stanford and Cal before confronting Louisville. A marquee showdown in the Conference Crossover will pit the Tar Heels against Princeton, the 2025 national‑championship runner‑up, adding another layer of intrigue.
Matson’s ambition extends beyond conference supremacy. A tenth straight ACC crown would not only cement the team’s legacy but also position it for a deep run at the national title, a goal that fell short last November when the team’s championship hopes were halted in the NCAA semifinal by Northwestern. The experience of that overtime loss fuels a renewed focus.
Adding to the narrative, UNC will host the ACC Championship for the first time since 2020, giving the Tar Heels a chance to defend their title on home turf. The combination of a demanding road slate, a fresh roster, and the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a home crowd creates a compelling storyline as the season unfolds.