North Carolina field hockey coach Karen Shelton has a unique perspective on the Olympic Games. As a player, she was a member of two U.S. teams: the 1980 team that boycotted the Games and the 1984 team that competed in Los Angeles and won a bronze medal, the country’s highest finish ever. As the UNC coach, she has watched current and former players compete. This year’s U.S. squad includes five former Tar Heels – Jackie Briggs, Rachel Dawson, Katelyn Falgowski, Kelsey Kolojejchick and Caitlin Van Sickle – among the 16 roster spots.
Shelton, heading into her 36th season as the Tar Heels’ coach, recently chatted with GoHeels.