Athletics

A Legacy Beyond The Field

Published on January 18, 2019

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

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

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…Opens in new window.

Carolina Athletics Funding Priorities

    Readers also viewed...

    When the Tar Heels narrowly lost 72-69, fans quietly began to gather their belongings with resignation, then paused to listen as James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind” played on the stadium’s speakers. (Photo by Sarah Wood/UNC-Chapel Hill)
    Athletics

    An Extraordinary Season’s Finale

    NCAA Championship Final Watch Party at Dean Smith Center

    Eric Montross sitting in the Dean E. Smith Center.
    Athletics

    Honoring a Tar Heel Great

    Rams Club family endows scholarship to honor Tar Heel great Eric Montross '94.

    50 Years of Carolina Women
    Athletics

    Celebrating 50 Years

    Carolina Athletics celebrates 50 years of women’s athletics.

    Chris Gray and Sara Daavettila stand side by side in front of a blue swath.
    Athletics

    Academic and Athletic Excellence

    The Rams Club scholarship student-athletes earn Academic All-America honors in the 2020-21 academic year.

    Rich and Tracy DeSelm pose in front of flowers.
    Student Support

    Honoring a Father and Coach

    Family endows a swimming and diving scholarship to honor their father, the former head coach.

    Close up of upper body of Carolina alumnus RC Orlan ’19 standing on the UNC baseball stadium field
    Athletics

    Fulfilling a Commitment, Getting a Degree

    Professional baseball player comes back to Carolina to finish out his degree