HAWK TALK

May 2017

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139 W hat began as a chance to play soball on a national stage at the University of Iowa turned into much more for Sarah Kurtz. Kurtz, a junior third baseman from Herndon, Virginia, became a Hawkeye in the fall of 2014 primarily so she could compete in the Big Ten Conference and pursue a national championship. "I mean, who wouldn't go to Iowa?" Kurtz rhetorically asked at a University of Iowa Athletics Department all-staff meeting April 12 in Carver- Hawkeye Arena. In three years on campus, Kurtz has relished a change of perspective. She has never second- guessed her desire to play soball at the highest level of Division I, but she also discovered that attending the University of Iowa presented more. In other words, her one-dimensional approach to choosing a college has taken on multiple dimensions. "I still boast about the amazing athletic opportunities that this institution offers," Kurtz said. "From the world-class facilities to the athletic staff, coaches, athletic trainers, medical attention — this athletics department sets the stage for us to succeed in the classroom and on the field." Since arriving at Iowa, Kurtz has come to recognize an unparalleled sense of community that complements world-class academics. "e support is unmatched," she said. "I feel pride when I step onto Pearl (Field), when I'm going through an airport and I hear 'Go Hawks' because I'm wearing the Tigerhawk. at is so uniquely Iowa. (e Iowa soball team) puts an (emphasis) on giving back to those who make it possible for us to do what we do. "On top of athletic opportunities have been academic opportunities. As a freshman, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I finally found the sport and recreation management program and I have found a home in this program. e classes excite me and the professors are one of a kind. ey will do anything for you to succeed in the classroom and with future endeavors. ey leave you excited about your future and that's a neat feeling when you can be in a classroom or in your apartment and be excited about where you could end up in a few years." Kurtz continues her education outside the classroom. She has worked as a consultant for the John Deere Classic professional golf tournament and served as an Iowa Student Athlete Advisory Committee (ISAAC) leader. Kurtz has also served as an ISAAC intern, working with Kara Park and Andy Winkelmann to receive an inside look at student-athlete development, academic advising, and service opportunities. "It's important for us to build up all areas of our experience here so we're better able to take on the world once we use up our eligibility," Kurtz said. Hours aer Kurtz delivered her address in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the soball team swept a doubleheader from Nebraska on Pearl Field. It was Iowa's third consecutive win and its sixth in the last eight games. Kurtz has played in 33 games this season with 28 starts. As for her future, Kurtz has more than an academic year to figure it out. She knows she will be prepared for the next chapter. "My experience at the University of Iowa as a student-athlete will be hard, if not impossible, to top," Kurtz said. "But I do know that wherever I go next, pieces of Iowa will always be with me. "When people ask me why I chose Iowa, I will be able to assure them it was the best decision I have made to date. It's athletic, academic, and career opportunities have shaped the person I am today and where I am going tomorrow."

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