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Record-breaking referee Aimee Barrett-Theron ‘privileged’ to be part of rugby history

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by: World Rugby

On Saturday, Aimee Barrett-Theron will run out at Allianz Stadium to become the first female match official to take charge of 40 tests.

Barrett-Theron will likely take a moment to process the achievement and may also allow herself a glance at the Allianz Stadium stands in search for her twin brother, before blowing her whistle to start England’s final WXV 1 warm-up match against New Zealand.

It is a momentous milestone for the South African referee, and former Springbok Women player, who is no stranger to breaking ground, being the first woman to take charge of Currie Cup, Super Rugby and United Rugby Championship matches.

This latest slice of sporting history has been given added significance not only by the location of the match, in Twickenham, but by the fact her great friend and fellow match official Sara Cox will join her in the 40-test club only six days later.

“It’s so special,” Barrett-Theron told World Rugby. “I actually see it in two ways. The first one is to share it with Sara Cox, who’s a really good friend of mine.

“We’ve come through the ranks together. We started reffing the sevens circuit together and into the 15s, done a few World Cups so it’s just so, so special to share it with her.

“I know when I try and get to the UK, when I have games out there, I always try to visit her because she’s just a really good person. So, it’s special in that way.

“And then the other side of it is, it’s amazing to be a part of the game for so long. I started playing in 2005 and I saw it in its real development stages and to see where it is now and to have done 40 tests, it’s just amazing because the level goes up.

“You know, from the first 10 [tests], the second 10, the third 10, and we’re at this incredible level at the moment. So, it’s just really exciting.”

Barrett-Theron and Cox first worked together at the HSBC USA Women’s Sevens in Atlanta in April 2016, the South African’s debut on the circuit, and they have pushed each other ever since.

“We chat on a regular basis. We try video calls, we’ll chat over WhatsApp,” Barrett-Theron added.

“I wouldn’t even say it’s a rivalry, we’re just two referees taking on the male dominated worlds in our respective countries. And we’ve shared some really good times together.”

Big dreams

As Barrett-Theron suggests, the women’s game has come of age in recent years with national attendance records falling like confetti across the world.

Organisers are expecting at least 40,000 – and potentially closer to 50,000 – fans to head to Allianz Stadium on Saturday for what will be the Red Roses’ third test at the iconic venue in less than 18 months.

The South African has seen that journey up close, having played at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 in England and then officiated at the showpiece tournament in both 2017 and 2022.

Barrett-Theron has also experienced a big crowd in Twickenham, having been in the middle when a crowd of 58,498 watched England beat France last April, a world record for a standalone women’s test.

“I always had big dreams and probably growing up, I didn’t see myself being a woman as any different,” she said.

“I’d see the men competing at the World Cup, so I was like, ‘Cool, that’s where I want to compete. I want to compete at the World Cup’. I didn’t really see gender with rugby.

“Now that the women’s game has grown so much, I’m just really privileged to be a part of that.”

Within five months of her World Series bow, and with only three tournaments under her belt, Barrett-Theron ticked off the first item on her career wishlist when she refereed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

She has gone on to officiate a Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final, the all-time classic between England and Canada in Auckland, and has designs on returning to England and potentially Allianz Stadium next year, selection permitting.

“Having played in a World Cup myself and then being on the other side of it, I really cherish the World Cups,” Barrett-Theron said.

“But if I can take it back to a dream that I had when I’d watched my first kind of ‘World Cup’ and the Sydney Olympics, I knew I wanted to be there one day.

“So, being able to run out at the 2016 Olympics will always be very high up there. But it’s been quite special to have quite a few milestones, quite a few really incredible experiences out there so far and I hope there’s many more to come.”

Importance of preparation

That Barrett-Theron has achieved a lot since that first sevens tournament in 2016 is clear. So, what are the secrets to her success?

“I really pride myself on my preparation for the games,” she replied. “Physical preparation, mental prep, prepping for the teams and different styles of teams.

“I’m fortunate enough to be a professional rugby referee. So, I do have the time to spend on it, and I think a lot of people don’t know how much time we do spend on it and how seriously we take it. In preparation and in review.

“It’s always tough watching yourself back on camera, but it’s something that you just get over and you take your lessons from each game, and you try to grow from there.

“So, yeah, probably a few factors around that and then just general determination, resilience with it. It’s a tough world to be in at times.

“You know, a lot of pressure on results and a lot of focus on the referee and I think I’d say my profile in general, I’m really trying to open up that side to it where I am more of a human being.

“I am very real on the field with the players. I have so much respect for them. I’m still a massive fan girl on the inside, and I hope that comes out in my performances.”

With that in mind, how does she hope people see her? “I’d like players to just be able to say, ‘Ah, it’s Aimee. It’s Aimee reffing’, you know, ‘calm, confident, comfortable. Will ref with a rugby brain as opposed to being perfectly technical’.

“I really want to try and get the most out of the game and allow the players to play the best rugby they can.”

Words of wisdom

It is an approach that has carried her far, but does Barrett-Theron have any advice for those match officials who may be starting out on their refereeing journey?

“I think the best thing to do is get your foundation right,” the record-breaking referee said. “Put in the hard work and the physical training. Make sure you pass the fitness test because on the field, especially being a woman, the first question is, can she keep up? Is she as fit as me?

“I made sure that I covered all my bases when it came to that, and if we need to reach the main standards, we reach the main standards.

“And then the other thing is to watch as much rugby as you can, but to see it not as a supporter of your team. Actually, watch the ref, watch how they move around the field, watch the signals that they make.

“I remember some of my first games, I thought I knew the signals, of course, but to actually do it yourself, I watched the video back and I was horrified. It took things like practising in front of the mirror to get the small things right.

“And then lastly, some of the best advice I got early on was, don’t try to be perfect. You know, the mistakes are the best way to learn.

“I think that’s sometimes what’s scary about reffing because you’re scared to make a mistake. You don’t want to change a game or make the wrong call and everyone shouts at you.

“Actually, sometimes [it’s OK to say], ‘Guys, I got that wrong’ or ‘I didn’t see it that way’ or ‘I missed it, sorry about that’. And you go on.

“As soon as we take that pressure off ourselves, it just allows you to be a bit more free on the field.”

Sage words from one of the best in the game.

A’ja Wilson breaks the WNBA’s single-season scoring record and eyes another milestone

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By: Associated Press

A’ja Wilson broke the WNBA single-season scoring record just before the first half of the Las Vegas Aces’ game against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night.

Wilson hit a jumper from the free throw line with 26.4 seconds left in the second quarter to surpass the previous mark of 939 points set by Jewell Loyd in 2023. The Aces’ two-time league MVP came into the game averaging 27.3 points and 11.9 rebounds.


She finished the game with 27 points and 12 rebounds as Las Vegas won 86-75. Wilson credited her teammates for helping her break the record.

“I don’t want to sound cliché when I say this but, I don’t get any of that without every single teammate along the way. I’m so grateful to be able to play with selfless women,” she said. “My teammates are the heartbeat. They keep me going. I don’t get any points without them passing me the basketball.


U.S. women’s basketball team defeats France to win eighth straight Olympic gold medal
“So the points are great. They’re always going to be there. I’m never going to stop shooting, but the group that we have in this locker room is something that I’m truly so happy to be around.”

Wilson needed just 35 games to top last year’s record by Loyd, who did it in 38 games. Wilson’s previous high was 912 points, set in 40 games last season.

She now has 956 points this season and could potentially be the first player in league history to reach 1,000 in a year.

Las Vegas Aces make WNBA history as first team to sell out season tickets
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Las Vegas Aces make WNBA history as first team to sell out season tickets
She missed the team’s previous game in New York on Sunday as she was recovering from an ankle injury she suffered against Connecticut last Friday night.

“Feels great, ’cause now people will stop talking about it,” Wilson said. “I felt like it was just lingering, lingering, lingering, so I’m glad that we got it done. It’s been a lot of fun.”

The Aces have four games left, including another one against the Fever on Friday night.

Aryna Sabalenka wins US Open over American Jessica Pegula for third grand slam singles title

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By Andy Scholes and Jill Martin, CNN

Aryna Sabalenka would not be denied hoisting the US Open championship trophy this year.

Sabalenka, the world No. 2 from Belarus, defeated American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to win the US Open for the first time.

This is Sabalenka’s third career grand slam singles title, having won the Australian Open for the second consecutive year back in January. She’s the first woman to sweep the hard court grand slams since Angelique Kerber in 2016.

After winning championship point, Sabalenka fell to the court, overcome with emotion. She went on to thank the crowd for their support.

Aryna Sabalenka kisses the trophy after winning the US Open for the first time.
Aryna Sabalenka kisses the trophy after winning the US Open for the first time. Frank Franklin II/AP
“You were cheering for me on those good moments,” Sabalenka said. “Of course I expected you to cheer for Jessica. I mean, that wouldn’t be normal if you would cheer for me, you know?”

This was the second year in a row Sabalenka reached the US Open final. A year ago, she lost to Coco Gauff, and the New York crowd was not on the Belarusian’s side, loudly pulling for the American.

“So many times I was so close to get a US Open title,” Sabalenka said, who also had heartbreaking losses in 2021 and 2022 in the semifinals. “It’s always been a dream of mine. Finally, I got this beautiful trophy.”

Sabalenka admitted the crowd affected her in that 2023 final – and she had resolved that wouldn’t happen to her again.

“I would say that this year, I felt so much love from the crowd,” Sabalenka told CNN. “Even though I was facing Americans, they still were supporting, cheering for me a little bit.

“I felt like last year there was kind of like close to zero on my side, and this year I felt a lot of support, even in the finals. I’m just super happy to feel so much love in New York.”

Sabalenka reflected on what her success meant to her. “Well, after I lost my father, it’s always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis,” she said.

“Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself, I’m proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going.”

Sabalenka, 26, has now won 12 consecutive matches and improves her head-to-head record against Pegula to 6-2.

While the scoreline was straight sets, it wasn’t exactly straightforward.

Sabalenka led by a set and 3-0, but Pegula went on to win the next five games to give the American a 5-3 second-set lead.

Sabalenka would not give Pegula a chance to force a third set, however, winning the next four games to close out the match.

Sabalenka was asked how she was going to celebrate with her team. “A lot of drinks,” she said to CNN. “I need to feel this relief. I hope we’re going to have a lot of fun with my team.”

USA’s Jessica Pegula serves to Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka during their women’s final match on day thirteen of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 7, 2024. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)
Jessica Pegula was competing in her first grand slam singles final. Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images
Pegula, meanwhile, had made a breakthrough at this year’s US Open. Previously, the 30-year-old’s best result at a major was reaching the quarterfinals, where she had been 0-6 at that stage. With her result in New York, she will rise from No. 6 to No. 3 in the world, matching her career-high ranking.

Pegula had missed a portion of the schedule earlier this season, including the French Open, because of injury. But during the North American hard court swing this summer, Pegula found her stride, going 15-2.

Those two losses were to Sabalenka: in the Cincinnati Open final last month and Saturday in her first grand slam singles final.

“It’s been an incredible month for me, really,” Pegula said. “I had a rough start to the year but was really able to turn it around. To be able to be standing here in my first grand slam final, and then coming off such a hot summer, I didn’t expect it. I’m just really grateful for the last few weeks of tennis and some incredible matches I’ve been able to put together.”

Pegula, who is a Buffalo native, is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. She was introduced to tennis by her family at age 7, and she recently said getting to the US Open final was “a childhood dream.”

When Pegula entered the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the final, she notably removed her headphones, appearing to soak in the crowd noise after she had been introduced.

Long Wins 30th Paralympic Medal in Gold Medal Performance

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by Julie Goldsticker | USA ParaSwimming

PARIS – Six-time Paralympian Jessica Long (Baltimore, Maryland) won her 30th Paralympic medal on Wednesday, scoring gold in the women’s 400-meter freestyle S8. Morgan Stickney (Cary, North Carolina) and Christie Raleigh Crossley (Toms River, New Jersey) each added silver medals in the women’s 100-meter freestyle S7 and 100-meter freestyle S9 respectively.

Long’s gold medal is her sixth in the women’s 400-meter freestyle alone and her fourth first-place finish in the event going back to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. She almost didn’t compete in the race following a silver medal finish in Tokyo but Long’s idol and director of U.S. Paralympics Swimming Erin Popovich provided the encouragement she needed to return to the 400 free.

“After Tokyo, I said to reporters, ‘I’m never doing that race again’ and here we are three years later. It was Erin Popovich who talked to me in December and said Jess, you need to get back into training for the 400 and I’m so glad she gave me that push. I got sixth in the backstroke, and fourth in the IM and I’m just really thankful and grateful. I got to stand on the podium but there’s so many people that should have been up there with me,” she said.

The 32-year-old felt the aches and pains from her competitions earlier in the day. “I woke up today really sore. My back was hurting. I’m so thankful for my coach who just continued to believe in me the whole day. I just remember thinking to myself before I jumped in – do this is for the little Russian girl who never gave up,” Long said.

She acknowledged that winning that 30th medal was important to her, and she accomplished what she set out to do. “I wanted to get to 30. That’s the goal. It’s so hard to prove can I do it again and again. This is my sixth Paralympic Games,” she said. “I was proud of my first Paralympic medal when I was 12 years old and I won by a tenth of a second and this to me is probably right up there. Just going back and showing my friends and family that I won a gold medal, there’s nothing better.”

As she approaches the end of her sixth Paralympic Games with a stacked trophy case, Long still doesn’t allow her medal count to be the full representation of who she is. “It’s amazing but this doesn’t define me. It can’t. I want people to see my work ethic and I want them to see how long I’ve done it and I want them to be proud of that and the fact that I’m still here. That’s a gold medal to me,” she added.

Long will complete her Paris 2024 schedule on Saturday in the women’s 100-meter butterfly S8.

Crossley has been racking up the hardware in Paris and Wednesday was no exception. She followed her gold medal on Tuesday with a silver in the women’s 100-meter freestyle S9. Despite her busy schedule, Crossley is enjoying her time in the pool at the Paris La Defense Arena. “It was fun to race. I’m definitely sore. I just want to go out there and have fun. Swim the best that I can in the pool. Come out with a smile on my face and I think everyone saw that there was a smile on my face tonight,” Crossley said.

She isn’t solely focused on her medal count. “The medal color doesn’t matter to me. It’s just putting out that best effort. Even if that wasn’t a podium, even if it was a fourth place and I gave everything I have. You’ve got to be happy if you’re coming out smiling. There’s zero expectations. It’s all about how we feel when we get done racing,” Crossley said.

She will be back for one more race, the women’s 100-meter butterfly S9 on Friday.

Stickney also put on quite a show in Paris, winning gold in her last event on Monday. She closed out her Paris 2024 Games with a silver medal in the women’s 100-meter freestyle S7 on Wednesday night and although it didn’t go exactly as she hoped, she is grateful to be able to compete. “I feel great. It wasn’t exactly how I wanted to do in the race, but I’m just honored to be here and really grateful to have this opportunity. Six or seven months ago, I didn’t even know if I would be here so to be able to be here and represent my country and come home with two medals is amazing,” Stickney said. “It was a bit of a challenge, but I tried my best and at the end of the day, I’m really happy.”

She says her biggest takeaway is to be able to have her family, supporters and medical team with her in Paris. “Having everyone up in the stands will be my biggest memory. I didn’t have that in Tokyo so being to share this moment with them is incredible,” she added. Today’s race was the final event of Paris 2024 for Stickney.

Noelle Malkamaki Shatters World Record at Paralympic Games in Paris

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By: Jo Marquez | Hoodline

It was a golden toss for DePaul graduate Noelle Malkamaki at the Paralympic Games in Paris. The shot put ace launched a 14.06-meter throw, setting a new world record in the Women’s F46 category, as reported by CBS News Chicago. This isn’t Malkamaki’s first spin around the victory track; she previously snagged top honors at the U.S. Paralympic trials earlier this summer, where she also set a then-world record.

Breaking barriers and records with the same throw, Malkamaki’s story extends beyond the field, paralleling her own journey with identity. A high school athlete from Decatur, Illinois, her confidence had to wrestle with doubt before setting foot on the larger Paralympic stage. As she told NCAA.org, “I’ve competed against able-bodied athletes my entire life; I didn’t come across adaptive sports until a couple years ago.” Malkamaki’s congenital condition left her uncertain if she was “disabled enough” to stand alongside other parasport athletes. It marks a telling insight into the intersecting complex layers of identity and competition.

The two-time Para Athletics world champion didn’t settle merely for accolades but used athletics as a means for self-actualization. Aided by therapy and a sports psychologist, Malkamaki came to terms with her dual athletic identity. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else is throwing at college or a para meet because if I’m just always trying to throw as far as possible, the challenge is the same either way,” NCAA.org captures her poised perspective.

Malkamaki’s throw also places her firmly within a tradition of excellence nurtured by DePaul. The support extending from her alma mater played its part in honing her craft, which is evident in the educational institution funding her coach’s travel for competitions; a form of backing rarely offered, except from universities notably engaged with their adaptive athletes. Reminiscing with NCAA.org, Malkamaki shed light on her coach’s view that saw her as an elite athlete first and foremost, “regardless of, you know, nothing taking into account.”

As the U.S. tallies 24 gold, 22 silver, and 11 bronze Paralympic medals to its name, Noelle Malkamaki remains a standout with her gold and world-breaking performance. Yet, her most significant triumph might come in the shape of empowerment she lends to others tackling similar identity complexities.

Aurélie Rivard wins 3rd straight Paralympic title in women’s S10 400m freestyle

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The Canadian Press 

Canada’s Aurélie Rivard swam to her third consecutive Paralympic gold medal in the women’s 400-metre S10 freestyle event on Thursday at the Paris Games.

The 28-year-old from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., won the final with a time of four minutes 29.20 seconds at Paris La Défense Arena.

Alexandra Truwit of the United States (4:31.39) and Bianka Pap of Hungary (4:35.63) earned silver and bronze, respectively.

It’s the third medal of the Games for Rivard, 28, who holds the world and Paralympic record in the 400 freestyle, set at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. She has also won silver in the 100 freestyle and bronze in the 50 freestyle in Paris.

Tess Routliffe reached the podium for Canada in the pool just minutes before Rivard.

Routliffe grabbed bronze in the women’s SB7 100-metre breaststroke for her second medal of the Paralympics. The 25-year-old resident of Caledon, Ont., earned silver in the women’s SM7 200-metre individual medley.

Introducing the Vulcan Pickleball Line in Support of the AGSA!

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We at the American Gold Sports Alliance (AGSA) are proud to announce that we have added the Vulcan Pickleball line of equipment to our raffle and giveaway opportunities, complementing our growing  fundraising efforts in support of the AGSA 501(c)(3) nonprofit sports foundation mission. Vulcan is renowned for its top-tier quality, innovative designs, and organizational support of girls and women athletes, making it a perfect fit for AGSA.

What This Means:

  • Vulcan Paddles: Explore a diverse range of paddles that cater to various playing styles, from precision control to powerful hits.
  • Pickleballs: Durable and consistent balls, designed to meet the needs of competitive play.
  • Accessories: Everything from grips to bags, ensuring you’re fully equipped on and off the court.

Supporting AGSA: By choosing Vulcan, you’re not just enhancing your game—you’re also supporting the AGSA’s mission to promote sportsmanship, integrity, and athletic excellence across all levels of play. A portion of proceeds from every Vulcan product sold will go towards AGSA programs, helping to develop and support athletes across the nation. Also, all raffles and giveaways will be in support of AGSA.

Visit us at AGSA.org or our AGSA Raffles Page to discover the full Vulcan line and join us in supporting a great cause. Elevate your game and make a difference today!

Erin Matson has carved her place in women’s sports. Can field hockey capitalize?

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Brendan Quinn | The Athletic

PARIS — The week was almost over, the Olympics nearly wrapped, when Erin Matson walked into the lobby of a botanical-themed boutique hotel. A sort of gilded garden pulled from a Parisian dream. This place is how the other side lives, and the name fit. La Fantaisie.

Nike booked a block of rooms during the Olympic Games. Its guests were part of an annual Athlete Think Tank, a consortium to survey influential women in sports. The list included Dawn Staley, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird and so on. They sat for group discussions, Master Class presentations from Serena Williams and Stacey Abrams, and for product sessions, giving feedback on Nike goods coming out soon and others still years from release.

The youngest member of the group was USC basketball star Juju Watkins. The second-youngest was Matson — a 24-year-old entering her second season as head field hockey coach at the University of North Carolina.

Matson arrived in the lobby wearing an oversized designer Nike sweatsuit. The chauffeur waiting outside was scheduled to leave for the airport in 45 minutes. Jess Sims, the Peloton instructor-turned-ESPN personality, walked past, asking if she and Matson were sharing a ride to Charles de Gaulle.

This is not the typical life of an American college field hockey coach. Matson is represented by Wasserman Group, the powerful sports and entertainment agency representing Katie Ledecky, Diana Taurasi, Nelly Korda and others, and this summer proved her reach. She walked the red carpet at the ESPYs. She was a featured speaker at the espnW Summit in New York City.

At a time when spiking interest in women’s sports is dictated heavily by name recognition and star power, Matson has found a place in these reserved spaces. Once the country’s top high school field hockey player and member of the U.S. national team at age 17, she played five seasons (2018-22) at North Carolina and won all imaginable honors. She became the NCAA’s third all-time leading goal scorer, was part of four national championship teams, and was named national player of the year three times.

But this year, instead of competing in Paris, the 24-year-old face of the sport was across town hanging out with Serena Williams as the U.S. national team went 1-3-1.

The backstory is layered. Following the December 2022 retirement of legendary coach Karen Shelton, UNC named Matson, then 22, as head coach of the winningest, most well-funded college field hockey program in the country. Many celebrated the move as daring — a succession mimicking Shelton’s rise 42 years earlier. It was another era, but Shelton once went from being a three-time national player of the year at West Chester, to high school head coach in New Jersey, to taking over UNC at 23. Others weren’t so cheery about the move. Some saw Matson’s hiring as ridiculous, a borderline insult to women’s sports, and criticized the school for what they saw as a closed job search.

Matson and the Tar Heels responded by winning the school’s 11th national championship in her first season as head coach.

All of this before turning 25.

Thus, the status.

Thus, Paris.

Matson filled a journal with notes and quotes. She talked to Staley about coach-captain relationships. She listened to Abrams speak on staying true to one’s values. She felt, at times, out of place. “Why am I here?” Not because of a lack of credentials, but because of field hockey’s ultra-niche place in women’s sports. It’s an issue much older than Matson.

Over lunch with Rapinoe one day, Matson was struck by a realization — that Rapinoe, a U.S. soccer icon, became so by being transcendent on the field and outspoken off the field. She raised the profile of women’s soccer as a player, a freedom afforded on the field more than when working as the CEO on the sideline.

In Paris, that field was Yves du Manoir Stadium. The U.S. national team, a group featuring two of Matson’s current players, one former player and five players she’ll coach against this fall, were outscored by eight goals and eliminated in pool play. They failed to medal, again, extending a streak dating to 1984.

The instinct, of course, is to make it make sense, but nothing is quite so simple here, and it’s only the sport that’s suffering.

Here’s the shortest possible version of the long, convoluted tale of Matson and USA Field Hockey. When hired at North Carolina, Matson knew taking a full-time job with a six-figure salary meant stepping away from the U.S. national team. In her version of events, she wanted a few years to settle into the job, then hoped to continue her playing career, splitting time between coaching and playing. She told UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham of her plans to pursue the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He was all for it.

Then two things happened. The Tar Heels won the national title in Matson’s first season. And the U.S. national team, one projected as a long shot to make the Paris Olympics, successfully qualified for the Games.

Reversing course on her original decision, Matson made a late effort to land a spot on the U.S. team, requesting a tryout and playing in the indoor Pan-Am Games to notch some international playing reps. While much of the already established U.S. national team had sacrificed time and energy, living and training at a facility in Charlotte, N.C., the official roster was not yet finalized. Multiple collegians who played their 2023 seasons would be invited to try out. Matson would not. USA Field Hockey issued a statement that Matson “did not qualify under the mandatory terms of the selection criteria.” Simon Hoskins, the executive director of USA Field Hockey, told The Athletic it was his decision to deny the tryout request, saying, “It’s an organizational policy, so it comes to me.”

The resulting backlash ran both ways. Matson’s supporters levied accusations of jealousy in the ranks of USA Field Hockey. Matson’s detractors criticized her for wanting special treatment and walking away from the national team in the first place. Acrimony and arguments mounted. Earlier this summer, a series of conversations with members of the 1984 bronze-medal winning team drew a variety of responses — both that USA Field Hockey wasn’t capitalizing on a new star, and that roster policies exist for a reason. Meanwhile, other current college coaches declined to go on the record to discuss the topic.

Anyone operating from a perch of perspective could see a valid case either way. Matson did choose to prioritize her coaching career over her playing career. At the same time, regardless of protocols or personal feelings, was it really in the sport’s best interest for her not to try out for the Olympics?

Field hockey, played evenly among men and women in other parts of the world, has long struggled to catch on in the United States. While other women’s sports have hit periods of momentum, field hockey has never moved into the mainstream. It’s regional. It requires specific (read: expensive) turf. It doesn’t draw droves of kids as a youth sport. So while other women’s sports have enjoyed measurable growth, like increased college scholarship totals, field hockey has stagnated. A lack of success at the national level can be seen as both a root cause and a byproduct. Since ’84, the United States has finished no better than fifth in any Games since.

Hoskins cites a lack of government funding.

“It’s just not fair,” he said. “It’s a subsidized industry that we’re competing in. It’s a real struggle for the organization.”

Money is one thing, but popularity is another, and field hockey has never waded into public consciousness because the public knows so little about it. Sports need stars; in this instance, the sport’s biggest American star wasn’t part of the game’s biggest stage in Paris. Well, she was, except she was watching track and swimming meets and posting pictures for her 70,000 Instagram followers while the U.S. team scored five total goals in five games.

Neither the results nor the optics add up.

Though the ugliness of the 2024 process is still fresh, Matson says she fully intends to pursue a spot on the 2028 Olympic team, even if that requires upwards of two years playing for the national team — “One hundred percent,” she said — but as an organization, USA Field Hockey must examine its shortcomings at the international level.

“I think there’s got to be changes (in the system),” Matson said. “I won’t sugarcoat that. I don’t know how many times we’ve got to fail for people to say that, but like, you know, come on. So I think there’s going to be. But there’s definitely no question that I would love to do that. I know I can help.”

Considering how fraught things turned through the spring, some will wonder what’s rectifiable.

“You don’t have to like me,” Matson said. “I’m not telling you to be my friend. I don’t need any more friends. I have support and I’m grateful. But why can’t we come to an understanding? Do we want to win or have the best chance to win? I don’t mean just here at the Olympics. Our sport needs to win.

“I’m not someone who lives in regret, gets hung up on that, or holds grudges. I truly believe if you want to grow or progress, you can’t be hung up on that stuff.”

In the meantime, Matson will keep coaching. In what felt like a wink to her detractors, she made a notable hire this summer. Romea Riccardo, who won five NCAA titles at UNC and graduated in December, was named as a full-time assistant coach on staff. Matson says Riccardo was to her what she was to Shelton. Once upon a time, the two were freshmen together.

“The argument from the schools that recruit against us is, ‘They’re a young staff; they have no idea what they’re doing,’” Matson said. “And you know, I always joke — don’t people know that we like a target on our back by now? If you just stay quiet and don’t tell me what you’re thinking, I’ll actually probably get less motivated. But if you keep telling me, oh, you’re too young, oh, you can’t do this and that — like, stop it, ‘cause you’re only hurting yourself.”

The 2024 North Carolina season will start next week with the Tar Heels, again, a national title favorite. Matson says she knows perceptions. “That, oh, Erin is off gallivanting in Paris. Oh, Erin is out in LA at the ESPY Awards,” she said. “But I don’t think people understand that I know how fortunate I am, and I use these opportunities and ask, how can we be better, how can the sport get bigger?”

Maybe that’s possible. Or maybe it’s fantasy.

Rising Stars Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia Are Arsenal Through and Through

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By: Meredith Heil | Just Women’s Sports
In the UK, the path toward becoming a professional soccer player starts early.

Kids in the US usually start out with local or travel clubs before moving to a high school team and then maybe playing in college before going pro. And recently, a small but growing number of teenage players are opting to sign contracts with the NWSL before they’ve even finished school.

But across the pond in the UK, a promising footballer’s road to stardom can start as young as five years old. The academy system was established to guide aspiring young players as they work towards an adult contract, with professional clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea, and others supplying their youth programs with full-time coaches, training facilities, and a match calendar. Then at 18, the senior club either offers the player a pro deal or releases them to pursue a spot on another team’s roster.

Arsenal soccer player Leah Williamson and Paris Saint-Germain player Mary Earps of England national team at Women’s Finalissima 2023
Captain Leah Williamson and goalkeeper Mary Earps are just two of the academy grads headlining the England national team. (Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
The goal has always been to nurture and sustain homegrown talent, with academies around the league producing WSL and England national team icons like Leah Williamson, Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Mary Earps. And now more than ever, it’s something big league teams are focused on given the women’s game’s meteoric post-Euros rise in the UK.

Of course, academy life isn’t just afterschool practice and weekend fixtures at the training grounds. When senior clubs travel for international friendlies, they’ll often invite a few academy players to tag along. It’s a way to give the young players some exposure, bonding time with the team, and minutes on the field, all while the coaching staff has the opportunity to evaluate their progress and see how they gel with the club.

Arsenal Academy products Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia in Washington, DC
Academy players often travel with the senior team for international exhibitions. (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
That was the case for Michelle Agyemang and Vivienne Lia, two up-and-coming academy products who joined Arsenal FC on their recent USA tour. 18-year-old Agyemang recently graduated from Arsenal’s academy, signing her first pro contract with the team this past May after debuting in November 2022 at the age of 16. 17-year-old Lia is still finishing school and academy training, having taken the field with the senior club for the first time in February 2024.

Last week, JWS spoke to the England U19 standouts in Washington, DC ahead of Arsenal’s friendly with crosstown rivals Chelsea to learn more about their journeys from childhood Gooners to academy superstars and beyond.

How’s the trip going so far?
Michelle Agyemang: So far good. I think it’s been good to go out and see the monuments and stuff, and obviously training. It’s been nice to be around everyone as well.

Viv, this is your second team trip after Arsenal’s Australia exhibition in May. How are you finding it?
Vivienne Lia: It’s great. Australia was more hectic with the fans, but over here it’s been relaxed. But it’s also been more dense — because it’s pre-season, we’ve been working a lot more than we did in our postseason trip.

How old were each of you when you signed with Arsenal Academy?
MA: I was six.

VL: I was 14.

Naomi Williams, Michelle Agyemang, Vivianne Miedema, Freya Godfrey, Vivienne Lia and Katie Reid of Arsenal posing for a photo on the pitch
Michelle and Viv — pictured here with ex-Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema and fellow academy products Naomi Williams, Freya Godfrey, and Katie Reid — both joined Arsenal at a young age. (Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
I know Arsenal has recently moved away from academy trials and now uses a talent identification team to recruit young players, but what was the process like when you joined?
MA: At the time, you just apply on a website, come in for a massive trial with about 30 girls, do a bit of training, and then if you’re successful, you go to a second round with less girls. And that’s it: Two sessions and then they send you an email or a letter. It’s quite simple really.

VL: Mine was quite similar. There was a trial system: one and two trials. At the first one there were quite a lot of girls and then it cut it off a bit. From there, you get an email whether you got in or not. Now it’s changed where they don’t have open trials — you come in for training sessions instead.

Did your parents sign you up?
MA: I was playing for a local boys team and my dad was like, “Oh, might as well just sign her up.” So he did, for a few different teams. And then we literally just rocked up to [a pitch] not too far from Colney for a little training session.

Do you remember that day?
MA: I do quite well. To be fair, we got lost on the way. We went to, I think it was a little farm instead of the training pitch. And then I remember my dad, he kind of pranked me a bit. He was like, “Oh yeah, sorry Michelle, you didn’t get in.” Then he actually brings out the letter. So it was really cute — a really good day.

Michelle Agyemang of England, centre, celebrates with team-mates Alexia Potter, left, and Vivienne Lia after scoring her side’s seventh goal during the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship 2023/2024 Finals
Alongside Arsenal, Michelle and Viv have long been fixtures of England’s youth national team system. (Photo by Tyler Miller – Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
If you were raised in the US, do you think you would have tried to turn pro at a young age or opt for the college route?
VL: I think probably the school route, because you want to get a firm foundation of education first. Because your career is not guaranteed at whatever age — you can get an injury, God forbid, and of course that’s part of the game.

MA: I’d say the same. It’s also the experience of college — so many of my friends have gone through college and it just looks like good fun, obviously alongside football. You miss that if you go straight to pro. Getting school alongside football is something we don’t get in England, so I think that’d be a really good balance to have between the two.

When you’re in the academy, how much time are you devoting to soccer?
MA: I’d spend as much time as I could on both. So as soon as I finished school, I’m straight into the car, changing in the car, eating in the car, doing homework in the car, on the way to training. And then on the way back, I slept. It was an endless cycle but that was the only thing I knew.

VL: When you’re younger, it’s still a mix of it being a hobby but still your passion. But then as you get older — when it becomes more jam-packed, more serious — you have to try and find a balance between both. In England the systems are split, so you still have to go to school, but you also have to go to training. For me now, I go into school two, three times a week and training as well, so it’s about finding a good balance.

A general view of the soccer jerseys of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily Fox and Michelle Agyemang in the Arsenal dressing room
Growing up an Arsenal fan, Michelle always dreamed of taking the pitch for the Gunners. (Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
So you’re both lifelong Gooners — was Arsenal always the dream?
VL: Yeah, 100%. That was the dream for me. Of course, I grew up in North London — everyone’s either Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, or you got the odd northern team they support. Everyone wants to play for their local club, their childhood club. It was always a dream of mine to play for Arsenal and to make history at this club.

When you were younger, did you see women’s football as a viable career path?
MA: Absolutely not, no. My mum was saying to me the other day that she just thought I’d just go to Arsenal to do a few training sessions and then come back home. But the development of the game has been so fast in recent years. So I never really saw it as a career until maybe under-10s, -12s when it actually started to get much bigger as a game. At the beginning, I don’t think I had a real plan for football. But things change, and here we are.

Michelle Agyemang and Viv Lia of Arsenal during the Arsenal Women’s visit to the Washington Mystics WNBA team
Michelle and Viv showed off their basketball skills while visiting the WNBA’s Washington Mystics in DC. (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Was the experience the same for you, Viv, seeing as you joined the academy a bit later?
VL: Different actually. I always wanted to be a footballer — or at least an athlete. It was either tennis, track, or football for me. But I always had more of a love for football, so I was like, “Okay, if I don’t become a footballer, I’ll be a tennis player instead.” Like, “I’ll be in sport.”

Football was always what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t completely sure it was possible. But as a kid you’re like, “Oh yeah, it’ll be possible. I can do anything.” So I didn’t really think of that side of it until I got older I was like, “Oh, this is actually something that I can do as a profession.”

How has your game changed as you’ve gotten more time at the senior level?
MA: At Arsenal, the passing, the movement — everything is so crisp. It’s a shock at first but you adapt. For my game, I’ve added more technical bits: passing, moving, working together as a team. As a kid, you want to go run and score 10 goals, but you obviously can’t do that here. So working with teammates, moving the ball, moving myself to help other players — that’s a big part of my game that I’ve improved here.

VL: The details are so important at this top level. At youth level, you can get away with not pressing as hard or not recovering as quick, but [in senior club games] you’ll get punished for that. It makes sure that you’re always working to the best of your ability, but also it switches you on mentally. You have to keep attuned to how quick the game is or spot different triggers — that’s the main difference between senior football and youth football.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs is beaten as Frida Maanum of Arsenal scores the opening goal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and FC Bayern Munich
Frida Maanum’s opening goal against Bayern Munich at the 2023 Champions League quarterfinal is the stuff of Arsenal lore. (Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
What is your favorite Arsenal memory?
VL: It was the season before last season, the Champions League game against Bayern Munich at home when Frida Maanum scored top bins. I was ball-girling for that and I had the perfect view of it. I was like, “This is the best goal I’ve ever witnessed in my life.” Being an Arsenal fan, [knowing] the context of that game, I was like, “Wow, this is incredible.”

MA: That’s a good one. I’ll go for two seasons ago when we played Wolfsburg at home in the [Champions League] semi-final. I think it was two-two going into the second leg and then for me, coming on very late in the game — a Champions League debut — that was a massive moment. Just the atmosphere, 62,000 fans, everything.

After playing the Washington Spirit earlier this week, how do you find the NWSL compares to the WSL? Is there a different flow to the game? A different approach?
MA: We always associate America with athleticism, so the transition element was so fast at every point in the game, from the first minute to the last. And the atmosphere was very interesting as well. You got the fans hyping up a corner kick — like, “Get up and cheer. It’s a corner kick!” I’ve never seen that in my life, never ever seen that, but it’s nice as well. I liked it.

VL: Yeah, the game was very fast-paced. But it was really on runs, their wide players just bombing it forward. The physical level of the game is top. As you said, the rest of the world associates America with athleticism — powerful, fast, physical. That was something that I thought of straight away, like it’s less technical but still at a high level.

Vivienne Lia of Arsenal before the pre season friendly match between Washington Spirit and Arsenal Women
Representing the Arsenal at the senior level at the center of Viv’s future plans. (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Where do you guys see yourself in five years?
MA: Right here.

Right in this room?
MA: Yeah. (laughs)

VL: In DC?

MA: Yeah, in DC. It would be awesome coming back. Imagine.

VL: I’ll say the same: At Arsenal, establishing myself in the senior game and really showing what I’m about. And that’s it — that’s a good one.

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