University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Heck Earns Second Straight South Region Player Of The Year Honor
December 12, 2024 | Field Hockey
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina Field Hockey star forward Ryleigh Heck has been named the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) South Region Player of the Year, the second straight season she has received the honor.
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"We could not be prouder of and happier for our Ryleigh to be honored with this award," North Carolina head coach Erin Matson said. "It is a byproduct of how much time and energy she puts into being the best she can be for her teammates and this program. She has shown up in big moments time and time again, and she brings out the best in her teammates on and off the pitch. Ryleigh represents Carolina so well, continues to push the standard in our sport, and deserves this recognition wholeheartedly."
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Heck added another highly productive season to what has been an incredible career so far in Carolina blue. The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year was the offensive conductor of the nation's most potent attack. She recorded 15 goals and 15 assists for a Carolina offense that scored the most goals and points per game in the country.
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With her junior year now in the books, Heck has racked up 46 goals, 25 assists, and 117 points. This season she also added her third All-ACC first team, NFHCA All-South Region first team, and NCAA All-Tournament selections.
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She joins Matson as the only Tar Heels to have won the award more than once in their career (Matson won in 2019, '20, and '22). It is the ninth time the program will bring how this particular piece of hardware since the NFHCA began giving them out in 2010. Only UCONN has more all-time with 10.
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Heck, along with the other regional winners, is now in the running for the NFHCA National Player of the Year distinction, which is scheduled to be announced on Dec. 19.
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"We could not be prouder of and happier for our Ryleigh to be honored with this award," North Carolina head coach Erin Matson said. "It is a byproduct of how much time and energy she puts into being the best she can be for her teammates and this program. She has shown up in big moments time and time again, and she brings out the best in her teammates on and off the pitch. Ryleigh represents Carolina so well, continues to push the standard in our sport, and deserves this recognition wholeheartedly."
Â
Heck added another highly productive season to what has been an incredible career so far in Carolina blue. The reigning Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year was the offensive conductor of the nation's most potent attack. She recorded 15 goals and 15 assists for a Carolina offense that scored the most goals and points per game in the country.
Â
With her junior year now in the books, Heck has racked up 46 goals, 25 assists, and 117 points. This season she also added her third All-ACC first team, NFHCA All-South Region first team, and NCAA All-Tournament selections.
Â
She joins Matson as the only Tar Heels to have won the award more than once in their career (Matson won in 2019, '20, and '22). It is the ninth time the program will bring how this particular piece of hardware since the NFHCA began giving them out in 2010. Only UCONN has more all-time with 10.
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Heck, along with the other regional winners, is now in the running for the NFHCA National Player of the Year distinction, which is scheduled to be announced on Dec. 19.
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Players Mentioned
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