University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Field Hockey Named ACC Preseason No. 1, Bruder Earns All-ACC Spot
August 14, 2026 | Field Hockey
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - North Carolina field hockey received the top spot in the 2026 ACC Preseason Coaches Poll while star forward Charly Bruder was voted as the team's lone representative on the Preseason All-ACC team. The conference announced the results of both votes on Friday afternoon.
Bruder, a returning three-time All-American and All-ACC selection, leads the top-seeded Tar Heels on the Preseason All-ACC team. With a whopping 60 career goals to her name, Bruder will lead Carolina's attack into the 2026 season as the team looks to secure its 10th straight and 29th overall ACC Tournament championship.
Head coach Erin Matson's crew received four first place votes to take the team top spot. Carolina has been the preseason favorite in the conference in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
The 2026 season for the Tar Heels kicks off with the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, this year held in Winston-Salem, N.C. The season opener will be against Michigan on Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Bruder, a returning three-time All-American and All-ACC selection, leads the top-seeded Tar Heels on the Preseason All-ACC team. With a whopping 60 career goals to her name, Bruder will lead Carolina's attack into the 2026 season as the team looks to secure its 10th straight and 29th overall ACC Tournament championship.
Head coach Erin Matson's crew received four first place votes to take the team top spot. Carolina has been the preseason favorite in the conference in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
The 2026 season for the Tar Heels kicks off with the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, this year held in Winston-Salem, N.C. The season opener will be against Michigan on Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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