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13 O n a map, it takes three continents to find the hometowns of Iowa field hockey's seven-member freshman class, but the bond they have created as Hawkeyes is greater than the miles it took to get them here. "We are so fun," said freshman Maddy Murphy. "We are a huge class, so it's nice that we all get along genuinely well. We're from all over — places like Virginia, England, and New Jersey. It's been great to meet people with different viewpoints. at has brought us closer together this year, and it will only bring us closer throughout our career." e class — comprised of Ashley Drum (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Emily Duell (Poquoson, Virginia), Ellie Holley (Bristol, United Kingdom), Nikki Freeman (Whitehouse Station, New Jersey), Lizzy Cimilluca (Fairfield, New Jersey), Mya Christopher (Hershey, Pennsylvania), and Murphy (Riana, Tasmania) — has quickly made a name for itself both on and off the field. Five of the seven freshmen found the scoresheet this season. Murphy leads the class in all categories with 11 goals, three assists, and 25 points. Cimilluca (two), Holley (one), Christopher (three), and Freeman (two) also contributed goals for the Hawkeyes. "ey are all so talented," said sophomore Katie Birch, the 2016 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. "ey have come into a program like Iowa — a place with a lot of history and tradition — and they have risen to the challenge." All seven freshmen saw action in at least six matches in their first year, gaining valuable experience for the years to come. "e youth on our team is exciting," said Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci. "We have a ton of potential in our freshman and sophomore classes. Our freshmen and sophomores have carried a big load for us on the field this year. at experience is going to pay dividends. "We already have a great plan going into the spring. We will be able to give these freshmen the individual attention they need in order to improve their game. A lot of our set pieces will stay intact, and we are excited to keep building with them." Perhaps more important than the impact they make on the field, is the personality they bring off of it. "ey all have a lot of different personalities which has been awesome," said Cellucci. "e last two years we've had more of an introverted team, but these guys have brought the personality to Iowa field hockey, which is great. ey are a funny group and I appreciate that about them." e bond they have formed in four months will continue to grow throughout their time as Hawkeyes. "I think it's going to be a big four years for us as a class," said Murphy. "e fact that we are from different areas helps keep us grounded. It teaches us different things and how different players play. at is helping us become a well-rounded team both on and off the field."