University of North Carolina Athletics

Manuel Garcia Nieto has been promoted to a full-time role on the Tar Heel staff.
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Garcia Nieto Promoted To New Role For FH
July 8, 2023 | Field Hockey
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A member of the UNC field hockey coaching staff has earned a new title. Manuel Garcia Nieto has been promoted to assistant coach after serving for the past year as the team's volunteer assistant.
"Manuel deserves this after how much value he has added to this program as a Volunteer Assistant Coach over the past year," UNC coach Erin Matson said. We are very excited for him to assume this position and continue chasing excellence with us. He has extensive hockey knowledge, brings energy into the office and onto the field every day, and truly cares about the success of those around him.
"I am confident Manuel will continue helping develop winners and keeping the future of Carolina Field Hockey bright."
Garcia Nieto, a native of Argentina, joined the staff in the summer of 2022, bringing a wealth of experience as a coach and player.
In Argentina, he coached men's and women's teams in the top divisions of play. Most recently he directed Banco Provincia First Men´s Team from 201821 and Club Universitario First Women´s Team from 2017-21.
He also enjoyed an extensive playing career, representing Buenos Aires regional teams from the U14 to U21 levels and playing for Club Banco Provincia from 1998-2017.
After coming to Chapel Hill in 2021, he coached East Chapel Hill High School to a state runner-up finish in 2021.
In addition to coaching, he has worked as a P.E. teacher and also holds a degree in sports journalism.
Garcia Nieto fills a newly-created role on the Tar Heel staff following recent NCAA legislation. An additional assistant coach will join the staff later this summer.
"Manuel deserves this after how much value he has added to this program as a Volunteer Assistant Coach over the past year," UNC coach Erin Matson said. We are very excited for him to assume this position and continue chasing excellence with us. He has extensive hockey knowledge, brings energy into the office and onto the field every day, and truly cares about the success of those around him.
"I am confident Manuel will continue helping develop winners and keeping the future of Carolina Field Hockey bright."
Garcia Nieto, a native of Argentina, joined the staff in the summer of 2022, bringing a wealth of experience as a coach and player.
In Argentina, he coached men's and women's teams in the top divisions of play. Most recently he directed Banco Provincia First Men´s Team from 201821 and Club Universitario First Women´s Team from 2017-21.
He also enjoyed an extensive playing career, representing Buenos Aires regional teams from the U14 to U21 levels and playing for Club Banco Provincia from 1998-2017.
After coming to Chapel Hill in 2021, he coached East Chapel Hill High School to a state runner-up finish in 2021.
In addition to coaching, he has worked as a P.E. teacher and also holds a degree in sports journalism.
Garcia Nieto fills a newly-created role on the Tar Heel staff following recent NCAA legislation. An additional assistant coach will join the staff later this summer.
Players Mentioned
MBB: Hubert Davis Post-ETSU Press Conference
Wednesday, December 17
Carolina Insider: Rapid Reactions pres. by Modelo – Men’s Basketball vs. ETSU – December 16, 2025
Wednesday, December 17
UNC Men's Basketball: Veesaar's Career High Leads 77-58 Win Over ETSU
Wednesday, December 17
WBB: Post-Louisville Press Conference - December 14, 2025
Monday, December 15












