University of North Carolina Athletics
Jersey No. 23 Retired For Falgowski
March 2, 2012 | Field Hockey
March 2, 2012
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Katelyn Falgowski became the fourth player in North Carolina field hockey history to have her jersey retired when No. 23 was officially set aside during a ceremony Wednesday night at halftime of the UNC men's basketball game at the Dean E. Smith Center.
The Tar Heel field hockey team also was honored for its 2011 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, the 17th in program history.
Falgowski, from Landenberg, Pa., was named the 2011 National Player of the Year by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. She is the fourth Tar Heel to earn national player of the year honors, following Leslie Lyness (1989), Cindy Werley (1996 and 1997) and Rachel Dawson (2007).
"There's no question that Katelyn is one of the most talented players ever to be part of our program," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "As a college coach for 31 years, I have seen plenty of players who rely solely on their talent, and Katelyn is good enough to have done just that. However, she never has.
"Throughout her career - and during her senior year as much as ever - she has been the embodiment of hard work and leadership. She is one of the smartest and savviest players I've ever coached, and that combined with her talent made her into the best player in the college game in 2011, and one of the best in the world. In my opinion, she defines what a collegiate student-athlete should be. She works hard and works smart, she sets a great example and she represents UNC and our country with excellence."
A four-year starter and two-time captain for UNC, Falgowski finished her career as Carolina's career leader in assists. In addition to her national honor, she was the South Region Player of the Year and was named first-team All-America for the second time after earning second-team All-America honors in her freshman and sophomore years.
Falgowski was the 2011 ACC Tournament MVP as UNC won the crown. She also was named All-ACC.
A member of the U.S. National Team since high school, she continued to represent her country throughout her time in Chapel Hill. She played for the 2008 Olympic team and in October helped the U.S. qualify for the 2012 Summer Games. She was named a 2011 World All-Star team, the only U.S. player on the 18 member squad, which is intended to recognize the top players in the world over the calendar year. Additionally, she one of five nominees for the 2011 FIH Young Player of the Year Award, which goes to the best player in the world under age 23.
A communication studies major who graduated from UNC in December, Falgowski earned ACC Academic Honor Roll and Dean's List honors during her career at Carolina. A graduate of St. Mark's High School in Wilmington, Del., she is the daughter of Ken and Cindy Falgowski.
