University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Dana Gentry
Tar Heels Back On The Turf
August 6, 2020 | Field Hockey
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The defending NCAA field hockey champions returned to the turf on Thursday, kicking off the preseason with a morning practice at Karen Shelton Stadium.
"I'm delighted to be back out there and I think the girls are just really thrilled," said head coach Karen Shelton, who opened her 40th season at the program's helm. "It's been a long time and I think we're all very excited to have the chance to be back out here. You don't know what you've got until it's gone. I think this pandemic has made us appreciate being together and having the opportunity to represent the University of North Carolina and play to the best of our abilities."
The Tar Heels are coming off a second consecutive 23-0 season. They return six fulltime starters, two others who started a handful of games last season, and two more who have starting experience but missed 2019 due to injuries.
Despite many familiar faces on the field, Thursday's practice looked different any other – coaches and staff wore masks throughout and players remained socially distant from each other.
"Today was a challenge," Shelton said. "We had to design a practice that followed all the social distancing guidelines. We did that, and we were able to get a lot done. The attitudes are good, the energy was high, and we look forward to continuing to work hard."
The 2020 schedule has not yet been finalized. Follow the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram (@UNCFieldHockey) for news as soon as it's available.
"I'm delighted to be back out there and I think the girls are just really thrilled," said head coach Karen Shelton, who opened her 40th season at the program's helm. "It's been a long time and I think we're all very excited to have the chance to be back out here. You don't know what you've got until it's gone. I think this pandemic has made us appreciate being together and having the opportunity to represent the University of North Carolina and play to the best of our abilities."
Team back on the turf ✅🏑
Staying safely apart, but so excited to be together 💙#GoHeels | #TogetherWeWin pic.twitter.com/0ikAXYaCPs
— UNC Field Hockey (@UNCFieldHockey) August 7, 2020
The Tar Heels are coming off a second consecutive 23-0 season. They return six fulltime starters, two others who started a handful of games last season, and two more who have starting experience but missed 2019 due to injuries.
Despite many familiar faces on the field, Thursday's practice looked different any other – coaches and staff wore masks throughout and players remained socially distant from each other.
"Today was a challenge," Shelton said. "We had to design a practice that followed all the social distancing guidelines. We did that, and we were able to get a lot done. The attitudes are good, the energy was high, and we look forward to continuing to work hard."
The 2020 schedule has not yet been finalized. Follow the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram (@UNCFieldHockey) for news as soon as it's available.
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