Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1220922
173 K aleigh Haus' story is one of growth. Growth that can be measured throughout her five years as a student-athlete on the University of Iowa women's soccer team. A senior forward from Carlise (Iowa) High School, Haus played in 68 matches from 2015-19, starting 50. Iowa had 40 wins with Haus on the roster; she finished her career with 13 goals and seven assists. "(Haus) helped change the culture academically and athletically," said Gary Barta, University of Iowa Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. "She changed the mindset and mentality and has been a true leader. She has been a huge part of this movement in the success of women's soccer." e Hawkeyes finished 15-5-1 in 2019 (7-3- 1 in the Big Ten) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history. Haus scored four goals with an assist on the season while making a bigger impact in the classroom. A biomedical engineering major, she became the first two-time Academic All-American in Iowa women's soccer history. Haus spoke at a University of Iowa Athletics Department all-staff meeting Feb. 12 in Carver- Hawkeye Arena, offering a glimpse of her mindset as a 17-year-old recruit. "When you're 17, that means you're almost an adult, which correlates to knowing almost everything," Haus said. She then admitted that being a soccer student- athlete at the University of Iowa was everything she could handle and more than she expected. For starters, in five years, her interpersonal skills blossomed. "I did not know I would be speaking to the athletics staff at the University of Iowa," Haus said to a room full of laughter. "If you had told me that when I was a senior in high school, I probably wouldn't have come here. I am not a public speaker by nature, but I have grown in that role through the support staff at the University of Iowa. (Women's soccer coach) Dave DiIanni gave me an amazing opportunity to be part of a leadership council, as well as captain of the soccer team. I have also been on the executive council for Iowa Student-Athlete Advisory Committee with Kara (Park), Alex (Deisbeck), Andy (Winkleman) and that support staff." A self-proclaimed "nerd," Haus said many have wondered why she continually loads her academic plate. "I take classes that range from philosophy to business to biomedical engineering," she said. "John Bruno (director of retention) can attest that I pack my schedule for almost no good reason. He asked me about that this spring — I am a senior student taking 18 semester hours, but I have learned to love the academics at the University of Iowa. e professors have helped me grow into that role and showed me my passion for learning." At Iowa, Haus also honed a passion for volunteerism, saying her favorite part of any week is when she spends time volunteering in the community. en, of course, Haus also learned much about team bonding. "I had no idea my teammates would be more than teammates," she said. "ey became my confidants, my roommates, and in some cases, my best friends. I am forever grateful for the recruiting process that brings some of the best athletes to the University of Iowa." Like Haus, once those student-athletes arrive on campus, they evolve, develop, and mature. at leads to the perspective of a 21-year old being much different than when you're 17. Haus knows. "From athletics to academics, Iowa has pushed me to grow in every aspect of my life," she said. "I'm forever thankful for that."