University Of Iowa Women's Field Hockey
The University of Iowa is known for its strong academics and athletics, and its women's field hockey team is no exception. The Hawkeyes have a long history of success, with 24 Big Ten Conference championships and 2 NCAA National Championships to their name. Let's take a closer look at what makes this team so special.
History of Women's Field Hockey at the University of Iowa
Women's field hockey has been played at the University of Iowa since 1973, but it wasn't until the 1980s that the team really started to excel. In 1986, the Hawkeyes won their first Big Ten championship, and they continued to dominate the conference for the next several years.
In 1989, the team made history by winning the NCAA National Championship, defeating Massachusetts in the final. They would go on to win another national championship in 1992, cementing their place as one of the top field hockey programs in the country.
The Current Team
The current University of Iowa women's field hockey team is made up of talented and dedicated athletes who are committed to continuing the team's legacy of success. The team is led by head coach Lisa Cellucci, who has been with the program since 2008.
Some of the team's standout players include Anthe Nijziel, a senior from the Netherlands who was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and Maddy Murphy, a junior from Australia who led the team in goals and points in the 2019 season.
The 2019 Season
The 2019 season was a successful one for the Hawkeyes, as they finished with a record of 17-5 and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The team had several impressive wins over ranked opponents, including a 3-2 victory over #4 Maryland and a 4-0 shutout of #12 Northwestern.
Maddy Murphy was a key player for the Hawkeyes in the 2019 season, scoring 19 goals and earning All-Big Ten first team honors. Anthe Nijziel was also a force to be reckoned with on defense, earning All-Big Ten first team honors and helping the team record 9 shutouts throughout the season.
The Future of University of Iowa Women's Field Hockey
The University of Iowa women's field hockey team shows no signs of slowing down, as they continue to recruit talented players and work hard to achieve their goals. With a strong coaching staff and a winning tradition, the Hawkeyes are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
Whether you're a fan of field hockey or simply appreciate excellence in athletics, the University of Iowa women's field hockey team is a team worth watching.
