# UNC field hockey preseason outlook and early season results

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/unc-field-hockey-preseason-outlook
> Updated: 2026-08-26T14:32:13.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The University of North Carolina field hockey team has been named the ACC preseason number one heading into its 53rd season. Led by head coach Erin Matson, the roster includes 14 returning players and eight newcomers, such as seven freshmen and one transfer.

Charly Bruder, a three-time All-American, and Grace Pottebaum have been elected as team captains. Bruder was the sole representative for the team in the All-ACC preseason honors. The program faces the task of replacing 67% of its scoring from the 2025 season as it pursues its 10th consecutive ACC Tournament title.

The team is scheduled to begin its season with the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, featuring matchups against Michigan and Iowa.

During the Conference Crossover in Chapel Hill, the No. 10 ranked Tar Heels completed a sweep of the event. UNC opened with a 7-0 victory over Penn, featuring goals from five different players. They followed this with a shootout win against No. 2 Princeton. After regulation and overtime ended in a scoreless tie, freshman Sofia Ferri secured the win by converting her attempt in the fifth frame of the shootout.

## Claims

- Bill Belichick stated that everyone, including himself, is responsible for following rules within the program. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The investigation includes inquiries into whether staff members had sexual relationships with players. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Steve Belichick is currently on medical leave. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The University of North Carolina issued a statement supporting Bill Belichick and the football program. (single source)
- The university investigation is looking into whether defensive coordinator Steve Belichick used drugs or provided drugs to players. (single source)
- General manager Michael Lombardi resigned following a period of paid administrative leave. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: UNC field hockey enters 2026 season as ACC preseason No. 1

Ranked No. 1 in the ACC preseason poll, the UNC field hockey team begins its 53rd season with a mix of 14 veterans and eight newcomers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unc-field-hockey-enters-2026-season-as-acc-preseason-no-1

### 2026-08-23: UNC field hockey named ACC preseason No. 1

UNC field hockey is ranked number one in the ACC preseason coaches poll for 2026, led by coach Erin Matson and forward Charly Bruder.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unc-field-hockey-named-acc-preseason-no-1

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Cite as: UNC field hockey preseason outlook and early season results. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/unc-field-hockey-preseason-outlook