The UNC field hockey team recently elected seniors Erin Matson and Cassie Sumfest as captains for the upcoming season.
Head coach Karen Shelton said the two players possess leadership qualities and a growth mindset.
“Both (Matson and Sumfest) have earned day in and day out this level of respect from the rest of the team,” Shelton said. “So it was no surprise to me that they would be elected captains.”
Captains are anonymously voted on by fellow players on the team before the start of the season. To both Matson and Sumfest, it is a much-appreciated honor.
“It’s great that my team puts enough trust in me to vote me for a captain,” Sumfest said. “I have an unbelievable amount of love for them, for every single individual on the team and just that they put that much trust in me — I’m really grateful for it.”
Shelton, in her 41st year as head coach, values input from her seniors and the lessons they have learned during their time in college.
“We found that in all championship teams, the common denominator was outstanding senior leadership, that’s what all the coaches were saying,” Shelton said. “If your best players can be your best leaders, that's kind of the secret sauce to a good team.”
Over the past three years, the Tar Heels have won three consecutive national titles, in addition to going undefeated on their home turf. Yet despite enjoying an incredible level of success since their arrival, both Matson and Sumfest feel no pressure to live up to a past reputation.
“The team here is just really focused on our identity this year,” Matson said. “Obviously the last few years have been super successful, but we’ve done a good job of keeping each season separate and knowing what goals we have.”
