Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1023533
19 U niversity of Iowa freshman Sara Wheaton is new to the university and the Iowa soccer team, but five games into her Hawkeye career, she has made her presence known. Wheaton, a native of Chandler, Arizona, has used her experience from playing club soccer in the US Youth Soccer National League and at the 2018 National Championships to help carry her into her first year at Iowa. "I was able to play at a high level against the best teams in the country at a fast pace," Wheaton said. "It gave me a sense of what it would be like in college playing with the top players in the country." Her knowledge of the game hasn't gone unnoticed by Iowa head coach Dave DiIanni. Wheaton has started all five games as a defender for a Hawkeye defense that has posted four shutouts in five matches. "Sara is a very composed player who has played at a high level," said DiIanni. "She knows where to play balls out of pressure, whether playing against a high press or a low press." rough five games, Wheaton has played 460 of the possible 470 minutes. Earning this extensive role early has boosted her confidence and eliminated freshman jitters. "She is playing beyond her years in terms of experience and has already gotten through the freshman hump," said DiIanni. "Sara is a great, competitive player who understands the game." Stepping in and impacting the game from the onset isn't an easy task, but Wheaton has the mindset to excel. "My mindset, work ethic, and the way the backline works as a team is what allowed me to step into a position that needed to be filled," Wheaton said. "Morgan (Kemerling), Hannah (Drkulec), and I work well together." Wheaton has leaned on Kemerling, a senior co-captain and four-year starter, to help her through the transition in adjusting to the collegiate game. "Having Morgan has helped me find my composure, be comfortable on the ball, and play at a high level," said Wheaton. "She is great, I love playing with her." e consistency she has found has helped her build early confidence in her game. "It has helped knowing that I can step in and make an impact as a freshman," said Wheaton. "is is just the beginning and I am ready to see what else the season holds." e Hawkeyes return to action Sept. 7, traveling to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State in the first Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series matchup of the 2018-19 season. SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE Sept. 7 at Iowa State Sept. 9 at Wyoming Sept. 14 at Maryland Sept. 16 at Rutgers Sept. 20 Purdue Sept. 23 Indiana Sept. 27 at Ohio State Sept. 29 at Penn State