HAWK TALK

October 2013

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Time Flies When You're Having Fun F By Patrick Sojka or University of Iowa head field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum, it is hard to believe this group of Hawkeye seniors are, well, seniors. "It goes fast," said Griesbaum. Time flies when you are having fun. The group of six — Kelsey Boyce, Aubrey Coleman, Karli Johansen, Kelsey Mitchell, Niki Schultheis and Marike Stribos — has helped lead Iowa to back-toback NCAA Tournaments and a consistent ranking in the national top 20. The Hawkeyes won a combined 29 games during 2011 and 2012. It is a multi-talented group that collectively appeared in 282 contests entering the 2013 campaign. "Within our senior class we have seniors in every position, and they have a lot of different personalities, on and off the field," said Griesbaum. "They all understand what this program means and they are very passionate about it and respectful of each other's strengths and nuances. This group has been very positive for the program." Iowa field hockey has one of the richest traditions in the nation. The Hawkeyes have made more appearances in the NCAA Tournament than any other team as a member of the Big Ten Conference (22). Make no doubt about it, this group wants to make it 23. "The seniors in our program take great pride and ownership in the process and outcome," said Griesbaum. "They want their senior year to be an amazing year and one that will join the rest on the banners displaying Iowa field hockey success. "They understand that more as they work through the program," said Griesbaum. "The seniors have done a good job, and we are off to a good start. The goals we have set for our season are intact." The Hawkeyes host five matches at Grant Field during the month of October, and will play four conference dates — at Michigan (Oct. 5), Indiana (Oct. 11), at Ohio State (Oct. 18), Penn State (Oct. 25, BTN). Iowa opens its home conference slate Friday, Oct. 11, when it entertains Indiana at 3 p.m. (CT). 3 Hawkeyes Compete in Pan American Cup University of Iowa freshman Stephanie Norlander and former Hawkeye All-Americans Jessica Barnett and Meghan Beamesderfer will compete in the 2013 Pan American Cup, Sept. 21-28, in Mendoza, Argentina. Norlander and Barnett will represent Canada, and Beamesderfer will play for the United States National Team. Norlander is the youngest player on Team Canada. "We have had that history (of Iowa representation) in our program for a while, but to sustain it says a lot about our consistency and the student-athletes we are bringing in," said Griesbaum. "We are recruiting athletes that are driven and committed, and we feel within our program we have the platform and expertise to bring them along. It is awesome; it says a lot about our program. I am really proud of all three." The champion of the Pan American Cup qualifies for the 2014 Women's World Cup. The top six teams will qualify for the 2017 Pan American Cup and the teams placing seventh and eighth will play in the 2015 Pan American Challenge. 17

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