University of North Carolina Athletics
Field Hockey Travels To NYC For Career Development Trip
April 14, 2026 | Field Hockey, Student-Athlete Development
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Carolina field hockey, as part of its ongoing commitment to growth for their student-athletes on and off the field, took a career development trip to the Big Apple on April 2.
Â
The entire team made stops across Manhattan, highlighted by a panel and networking opportunities at Wells Fargo headquarters. It was the first trip of its kind for the program but will certainly not be the last, according to head coach Erin Matson.
Â
"Championships are what drive us, but they're also what connect us to something greater – developing young women who are prepared for anything," said Matson. "When our players truly believe in themselves and feel confident in their ability to step into any space, it elevates everything we do on and off the field. To see our players, staff, alumni, and supporters pour into that through our Alumni Mentorship Program and this trip is incredibly meaningful."
Â
It was a busy day for Matson and co, who started with a quick trip to iconic Times Square for some photos. Then came stops at TikTok, Wells Fargo, and others with a focus on the potential bright futures ahead for these incredible student-athletes after they have played all their field hockey. The packed schedule ended with a team trip to Madison Square Garden to see the New York Rangers play the Montreal Canadiens.
Â
It was an incredible opportunity for off the field growth for a group of players who have already accomplished so much on it, coming off a ninth straight ACC title and a trip to the final four in the 2025 season.
Â
"This trip was one of my favorite Carolina experiences and had a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally," said Heels' veteran defender Hope Haynes. "Seeing so many empowered women in finance gave me a clearer sense of direction and the confidence to pursue my career goals. I made unforgettable memories with my teammates while exploring the city, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible."
Â
"The networking trip to NYC was an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring young professionals," said Grace Pottebaum, senior defender and leader on the Carolina backline. "A highlight was hearing from former female athletes who successfully transitioned into finance and how they applied skills learned in sports like time management, grit, and leadership to their careers. I'm so grateful to everyone who made this experience possible for us."
Â
Â
The entire team made stops across Manhattan, highlighted by a panel and networking opportunities at Wells Fargo headquarters. It was the first trip of its kind for the program but will certainly not be the last, according to head coach Erin Matson.
Â
"Championships are what drive us, but they're also what connect us to something greater – developing young women who are prepared for anything," said Matson. "When our players truly believe in themselves and feel confident in their ability to step into any space, it elevates everything we do on and off the field. To see our players, staff, alumni, and supporters pour into that through our Alumni Mentorship Program and this trip is incredibly meaningful."
Â
It was a busy day for Matson and co, who started with a quick trip to iconic Times Square for some photos. Then came stops at TikTok, Wells Fargo, and others with a focus on the potential bright futures ahead for these incredible student-athletes after they have played all their field hockey. The packed schedule ended with a team trip to Madison Square Garden to see the New York Rangers play the Montreal Canadiens.
Â
It was an incredible opportunity for off the field growth for a group of players who have already accomplished so much on it, coming off a ninth straight ACC title and a trip to the final four in the 2025 season.
Â
"This trip was one of my favorite Carolina experiences and had a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally," said Heels' veteran defender Hope Haynes. "Seeing so many empowered women in finance gave me a clearer sense of direction and the confidence to pursue my career goals. I made unforgettable memories with my teammates while exploring the city, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible."
Â
"The networking trip to NYC was an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring young professionals," said Grace Pottebaum, senior defender and leader on the Carolina backline. "A highlight was hearing from former female athletes who successfully transitioned into finance and how they applied skills learned in sports like time management, grit, and leadership to their careers. I'm so grateful to everyone who made this experience possible for us."
Â
Players Mentioned
B
/ Field Hockey
B
/ Field HockeyCarolina Insider - Interview with Youssef Shamel (Full Segment) - April 14, 2026
Tuesday, April 14
UNC Baseball: Tar Heels Take Game 3, Series at Clemson, 12-5
Sunday, April 12
UNC Baseball: Tar Heels Fight for 14-Inning Win at Clemson, 6-4
Sunday, April 12
UNC Softball: Tar Heels Hold Off #16 Duke in Game 2, 6-5
Saturday, April 11