University of North Carolina Athletics
UNC Alum Lingo Retires From U.S. Team
January 14, 2012 | Field Hockey
Jan. 14, 2012
After a decade as a member of the U.S. National Team and a career that included 190 international matches, North Carolina graduate Carrie Lingo has announced her retirement from competition.
A 2001 UNC graduate, Lingo started her career with the U.S. National Team in 2002 and went on to become one of the most capped athletes in USA Field Hockey history. A team captain, she was a member of the 2008 Olympic Team and won two Pan Am Games silver medals.
"Carrie was one of our all-time best," said UNC coach Karen Shelton, who coached Lingo from 1997 to 2001. "Not only was she a exceptional student-athlete while at Carolina, she is an extraordinary human being. Her positivity, work ethic and great attitude have always set her apart.
"Carrie and her family have been important members of the Carolina field hockey community, giving back, supporting and staying connected. I regret that her fabulous hockey career was cut short by injury, but congratulate Carrie on the wonderful impact she has had on Carolina and USA field hockey. She is one special person."
"I cannot speak highly enough of the contribution that Carrie has made to the National Team," said Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. "I want to congratulate her on what she has been able to achieve as a player in our sport and wish her every success in her future endeavors. I am positive that the same strengths and attributes that she displayed when playing will ensure success."
With the Olympics only months away, Lingo's decision to retire came earlier than she and the team would have liked. Lingo has gone under the knife seven times in twelve years, and only for her right knee. In 2003, after her third surgery, the doctor told her she would never play again. Her response was, "I am not stopping. I'm going to figure out a way for me to keep going."
Lingo played up until the 2011 Women's National Championship. Even though she was not at her best, she was selected to compete at the Champions Challenge I in Dublin, Ireland, a tournament that features the teams ranked No. 7 - No. 14 in the world. Putting the team first, Lingo removed herself from the roster knowing she could not give her team 100 percent.
Similarly, Lingo made the decision this week to remove herself from the Women's National Team. "My leg just can't take the training anymore," Lingo said. "It's ready to retire. I came to this decision after much thought. I am not physically able to give 100 percent to the team and that is what is needed from each and every player to put USA Field Hockey on the podium in London."
"Carrie Lingo epitomizes an Olympic athlete," says former U.S. teammate and fellow Tar Heel Kate (Barber) Kinnear. "Through her unselfish commitment, passion and pride she has led the team through the darkest of times to the most recent Olympic qualification at the Pan American Games. I feel extremely honored to have been her teammate for so many years and thankful to have her as a dear friend. I congratulate her on an outstanding career and thank her for the sacrifices, commitments and example she has set for all future USA Field Hockey players to follow."
Lingo graduated from UNC in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in communications and psychology. She lettered three years for the Tar Heels, earning All-America honors in 2001. In 2002, she was selected as one of the top 50 players in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
A retirement celebration to honor Lingo and her years of leadership, support and commitment to USA Field Hockey will take place this summer. Details will be announced on usafieldhockey.com.
