I thought this might be of interest to some here from a business of college athletics point of view, despite the general disinterest in college field hockey. UNC has hired 22 year old Erin Matson as its new field hockey head coach, replacing retiring 42 year veteran coaching legend Karen Shelton. Of note is that Matson is the first D1 head coach of any sport to have been an active player during the NIL era - the NIL era of course being only 18 months old.

Matson graduated in December from UNC after leading her team to a third national title during UNC playing career. As arguably one of the top American field hockey players ever, Matson was also one of the earliest "non-revenue" athletes to get in the NIL game, launching her own branded line of field hockey gear and clothing - popular with young hockey playing girls - almost as soon as it became legal.

Setting aside the potential pitfuls inherent with hiring a 22 year old former star player to replace a 42 year veteran in any sport, I thought the NIL angle was interesting. I guess that while Matson lacks coaching experience, she brings experience of a different sort that could financially benefit her program and players (within the small world of her sport, anyway).

Obviously, it will take longer for NIL athletes to reach the coaching ranks in higher profile sports, but I'm sure a coach with NIL playing experience, when they do arrive, will have a different perspective from most coaches today.

It might be beneficial to get former players with personal NIL experience into support staff roles, at least.

****Admittedly, I only know this stuff because Matson is my 10 year daughter's hero and I have been forced to attend more UNC FH games than I care to admit and have purchased more than a few Matson branded clothing items for my daughter.