Field Hockey Star Erin Matson Denied Opportunity to Try Out for Olympic Team, Calls for Change

Field hockey star Erin Matson has made headlines after revealing that she was denied the opportunity to try out for the United States Olympic team this year. The 24-year-old, who recently transitioned from a successful playing career at North Carolina to coaching, expressed her disappointment in a statement shared on social media.

Matson stated that she met all the selection criteria outlined by USA Field Hockey but was still not granted a tryout. Despite her request not being to secure a spot on the Olympic team, but simply to have the chance to try out, Matson was left disheartened by the decision.

The governing body of USA Field Hockey has faced criticism for their handling of Matson’s request, with calls for them to reconsider their decision. UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham expressed his support for Matson, highlighting her talent and dedication to the sport.

Matson’s impressive track record includes multiple NCAA championships as a player and coach, as well as numerous individual accolades. Her recent participation in the Indoor Pan American Cups showcased her skills once again, further fueling the debate over her exclusion from the Olympic team tryouts.

Despite the setback, Matson remains optimistic about her future in the sport and is determined to continue supporting her teammates and the field hockey community. With discussions about her potential involvement in future Olympic cycles on the horizon, Matson emphasized the need for change within USA Field Hockey.

As the field hockey world awaits further developments, Matson’s resilience and passion for the sport continue to shine through, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for this talented athlete.