The Patterson Medals serve as North Carolina's most prestigious honor that recognizes athletic excellence and career achievements. UNC announces its 2026 Patterson Medal winnersIntroducing our 2026 Patterson Medal winners! This class of student-athletes cap their Tar Heel careers with @UNC's most prestigious individual athletics award. He is now the 19th Diamond Heel to earn the Patterson Medal and the first pitcher to earn the accolade since Robert Woodard back in 2007. She is now the eighth field hockey player to earn the honor and the first during the Matson era at UNC.