March 2, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina field hockey team, along with families and supporters, gathered last weekend to commemorate the 2007 season, one of the finest in program history.

On the evening of Feb. 23, the team held a celebratory banquet, recognizing academic and athletic award winners from the season and handing out the 2007 team awards. The evening's grand finale was the presentation of the championship rings, with the players lined up at the front of the room to open their jewelry boxes all at once.

On Feb. 24, the team was honored at halftime of the men's basketball game against Wake Forest. With 21,000 fans in the stands at the Dean E. Smith Center, the Tar Heels took center court to the sound of cheers from the Carolina faithful. After the team was recognized for its NCAA and ACC titles, senior Rachel Dawson was lauded for winning the Honda Award as national player of the year.

In addition, Dawson was honored with a framed version of her No. 9 jersey, which has been retired. It is just the third jersey in program history to be taken out of use.

Dawson, senior Jesse Gey and freshman Katelyn Falgowski are training with the U.S. National Team in California this spring and flew in for the weekend. The only player missing was senior Liz Morris, who is studying in London this semester.

"The whole weekend was wonderful and a fitting tribute to the team's success," coach Karen Shelton said. "The highlight was the recognition at halftime, thanks to the fans at the University of North Carolina. That's what makes this place special, that they would acknowledge the field hockey team in such a manner. It was great to be able to share our championships with the Tar Heel faithful and we really appreciate their support."