The retirement of Hall-of-Fame field hockey coach Karen Shelton last week is sure to instigate a frenzy of coaches who would like to take the position and try to replicate the success of North Carolina teams of the past.
It’s an interesting question: who is likely to be in that coaching box at Karen Shelton Stadium next fall for the Heels’ opening game?
Given the strong culture that Shelton brought to the team over the years, as well as the unparalleled success, the list is likely very short and very much in-house, meaning that, in the below list, the names Caitlin Van Sickle and Grant Fulton need to be thought of as being in bold type. But there could be some inspired choices when it comes to people who can make a difference.
Here’s my list:
- Jackie Kintzer Briggs — One of UNC’s all-time best goalkeepers, she has been an assistant coach at Wake Forest the last three years. Would be an interesting hire, given the offensive flair the current UNC side has.
- Guy Cathro — Former UNC assistant coach works with the W.C. Eagles club team, and, as such, is a conduit to a renowned club program which developed the likes of Erin Matson, Ryleigh Heck, and Ashley Sessa.
- Meghan Dawson — Last week, the UNC grad resigned her position as the head coach of Appalachian State to, as a press release said, to spend more time with her family. Might the improvement arc of App State during her eight years there be enough for her to succeed in Chapel Hill? It wouldn’t be surprising.
- Grant Fulton — Has served on the coaching staff since 2005, and as associate head coach for the last dozen years. Has great experience coaching in the U.S. system with the Young Women’s National Championship. I’d think he would be the leading candidate, given his current position as associate coach.
- Kate Kinnear — Spent time as a volunteer assistant coach before moving to Norfolk Cape Henry Collegiate (Va.). Former U.S. captain who has had a devil-may-care attitude as a player, and was one of Shelton’s best-ever players during her career.
- Laurel Hershey Martin — Former Tar Heel spent a number of years at Lebanon Valley College and Stevenson University before leaving in 2021. Might the intervening year been a recharge for her competitive spirit?
- Loren Shealy — The former Heel’s academic and work background in business might serve her well in managing people and forming long-range plans. Doesn’t hurt that she played for the U.S. team for a spell.
- Caitlin Van Sickle — Current assistant coach with six years’ experience with the U.S. women’s national team. Spent a year as an assistant at Princeton before joining the UNC staff.
It will be interesting to see which coach gets tapped to carry on an enormous task.
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