WHEREAS, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a history of excellence in collegiate field hockey; and
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2023, the Tar Heels field hockey team won its 11th national championship trophy and fifth title in six years after defeating Northwestern University during the NCAA Field Hockey Championship; and
WHEREAS, Carolina has held the all-time record for titles won by a program, and this is the Tar Heels’ second straight and fifth in the past six years; and
WHEREAS, after a scoreless first half, the Tar Heels took the lead shortly into the third quarter with a penalty shot and, after a tie game, the two teams played through two 10-minute overtime periods that ended with Ryleigh Heck securing a win with the final goal; and
WHEREAS, Coach Erin Matson, believed to be the youngest Division I coach in the NCAA, was hired right after finishing her record-setting career as a UNC field hockey player as the most decorated player in the program’s history in 2023; Coach Matson is a four-time national champion and leading scorer in ACC and NCAA Tournament play; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to congratulate and recognize the accomplishments of Coach Erin Matson, her coaching staff, and this extraordinary team, wishing them continued success as student-athletes and throughout their future careers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 26, 2024, as a day “IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2023 UNC CHAPEL HILL WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY TEAM” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
