UNC Field Hockey tabbed as the No. 1 team in the ACC Preseason poll

Expectations are always very high for the UNC Field Hockey team, and this year is no exception.

Leading up to the start of the 2025 season, Erin Matson and the Tar Heels have been named the No. 1 team in the annual Preseason ACC coaches poll.

Serving as the eight-time reigning conference champions, North Carolina earned six first place votes. The next closest was rival Duke, who earned two first place nominations.

In addition, a trio of Tar Heels earned Preseason All-ACC honors:

Sietske Bruning and Ryleigh Heck are no stranger to preseason accolades, earning a spot on the Preseason All-ACC squad for the third season in a row. After leading the country in goals a season ago, Charly Bruder made her debut on the list, continuing her rise as one of the best overall players that the nation has to offer.

The UNC Field Hockey team fell short of their ultimate goal a season ago, but has redemption on their minds heading into the new season.

Year three of the Erin Matson era officially gets underway on Friday, August 29 when the Tar Heels travel to Iowa City to take on Michigan in the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge. North Carolina will also play against Iowa (on August 31) as part of this yearly challenge before heading to Princeton, New Jersey for the Conference Crossover event.

Check out the entire 2025 schedule for the UNC Field Hockey team here.