A Legacy Beyond The Field

Published on January 16, 2019

Karen Shelton never planned to be a head field hockey coach, not at North Carolina nor anywhere else.

But as a three-time national champion and national player of the year at West Chester State, as well as a standout on the U.S. national team, she boasted more experience than any other potential candidate when the UNC job opened in 1981.

Dolly Hunter, the Tar Heels’ coach from 1976-80, realized this. So looking to leave the field hockey program in good hands, she called Shelton.

Thirty-seven years later, Shelton has led her teams to seven national championships and has mentored hundreds of players.

Read the complete Carolina Story from GoHeels.com…

Related Stories


Frank Leibfarth receives Carolina’s first Blavatnik award

The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Aziz Sancar

Ask a Professor: Shaun Anderson on NIL and student-athletes’ growing support for social causes