Behind the making of UNC field hockey’s mentorship program

North Carolina’s field hockey mentorship program is more than advice — it’s the chance to build meaningful relationships with notable alumni from the program.

Head Coach Karen Shelton beams with pride after her team won the NCAA Championship Game against Princeton University in Kentner Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. UNC won 6-1, marking their 8th national championship.

As a senior in 2022, former UNC field hockey back Madison Orobono created a mentorship program for the field hockey team with the approval of former head coach Karen Shelton — a winner of 10 national championships amongst a host of other prestigious accolades.

“She loved the idea,” Orobono said.

This mentor-mentee relationship idea came about following conversations Orobono had with fellow student-athletes on the men’s and women’s lacrosse team. And because of them, she knew it was something she wanted to pursue.

The alumnis’ impact extends further than the championship titles or wins in the record book, but provides opportunities for the students to find themselves as professionals in a different manner regardless of job.

UNC has won six out of its last seven contests after defeating Boston College, 4-0, on Friday for its alumni game. Matson’s squad won in front of former players — Katie Dixon, Alli Meehan, Dorrit Eisenbeis and Kelly Smith were a few of many watching in the stands.

After the Boston College outing, Matson did a little bit more than just celebrating the victory.

“Celebrate our alums. We’re so grateful that they’re here,” Matson said. “They were loud and passionate.”

Orobono, the Macungie, Pennsylvania native was a four-year starter from the 2019 to 2022 seasons, and played well over 4,000 minutes through 84 games. A three-time national champion, she was the team’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and was a part of the ACC All Tournament Team as a first-year. She is now a field hockey assistant coach at Villanova, a role she began this past July.

Orobono’s former roommate and teammate in Chapel Hill, now-head coach Erin Matson, helped Orobono create the mentorship program.

Orobono also had help from three older alumni: Erika Cerwin, Kate Simpson and Jana Ulrich.

Players are assigned to alumni based on answering a few different questions during the preseason: a favorite hobby, graduating year and major — that’s it.

Then, from there, the rest is taken care of. The mentorships are intended to provide real world experience, foster connections and help the players flourish beyond the lines of Karen Shelton Stadium.

Sophomore forward Reese Anetsberger can attest to that. Anetsberger’s mentor is former back Kate Howard, who also competed in track as a Tar Heel.

“She is such a badass,” Anetsberger said. “She really has taken the time to whenever she’s in town — she meets with me. And she really gets to know who I am and she asks me questions, and she helps me through anything I’m going through.”

And perhaps, this program has helped fuel UNC’s winning ways.

“It’s been really great for them, just seeing them grow the last couple of games,” Orobono said. “And I think having their mentors there, especially this past weekend with it being alumni weekend, was really pretty awesome for everyone to see.”

It’s the little things that can go a long way.

“Unfortunately, field hockey isn’t forever in the United States,” Orobono said. “I wish it was. So, just really trying to make sure, like I said, these girls are set up for success once they leave Carolina.”

From the source @dthsports | [email protected]