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61 Simmons played a role in Cafone's decision to at- tend Iowa. Having played alongside Cellucci, the two former Hawkeyes were able to give Cafone a better feel about what a career at Iowa would be like. Simmons and Cafone have continued to hold a connection over the years and the two communi- cate on a weekly basis. "It has been such an honor watching and follow- ing Natalie's career at Iowa," said Simmons. "Hav- ing played here, it was close to the heart for me. I was thrilled when I heard Natalie had decided to become a Hawkeye and her career has completely taken off. "She was the best field hockey player to come through our program at West Essex High School and to see her continuing to progress at this level is amazing. I think she could be one of the best players in the country." Building on the success achieved as a sopho- more, the 2013 NCAA statistical points champion continues to thrive on the field in 2014. Cafone remains a top-five statistical leader nationally in points per game (2.63) and goals per game (1.13). With the remainder of the 2014 season, and a se- nior campaign in 2015, the possibilities for Cafone are endless. T he 15th ranked University of Iowa field hockey team earned a 4-0 win over No. 4 Penn State on Oct. 25 at Grant Field. When UI junior Natalie Cafone netted a goal in the 25th minute, she wasn't only giving the Hawkeyes a 2-0 lead over the Nittany Lions, she also entered the program's all-time top-10 scoring list with her 48th career goal. "She's already rewriting some of the record books here, and for her to break into the top-10 scor- ing list as a junior is pretty unbelievable," said UI head coach Lisa Cellucci. "She is a phenomenal athlete with world class speed, great skill, and is a downright competitor which sets her apart from everyone else. I just want her to keep scoring goals and help the team. I think that's what she's most worried about, too." Cafone, who leads the team with 18 goals this season, has familiarity with the company she joined among the top-10 list. e Fairfield, New Jersey, native ranks 10th beside her former high school coach Diane DeMiro Simmons, who tallied 48 goals from 1993-96. Simmons spent four years working with Cafone as a prep and saw the poten- tial early in her career. "She had a natural gi unlike any other player that we had ever coached and she possessed a true athletic ability," Simmons said. "She was a three- sport athlete and lettered all four years in each of those sports. Aer coming to Iowa and playing at the top level, while continuing to improve to the extent that she has, it's clear she has the complete game now."