Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1349383
31 A s three of the Hawkeyes' eight seniors, Aralee Bogar, Allison Doocy and DoniRae Mayhew have a lot of experience wearing the University of Iowa soball jersey. In fact, the three have played a combined 240 games as Hawkeyes, a number that will grow in 2021. Both Doocy and Mayhew made the decision to return for a fih year following the coronavirus pandemic-shortened 2020 season, while Bogar is in her fourth season playing for the Hawkeyes. Each of the three took a different path to the Hawkeyes. Bogar, a Texas native, traveled the furthest from home to join the Hawkeyes. Doocy and Mayhew are Iowa natives. Mayhew came to the Hawkeyes aer a season at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. "It has been fun to follow along with their lives, both on the field as well as outside of soball for the past few years," said Doocy. "All of our seniors have grown so much during their time here and have so much in store for them when they leave this program." e three seniors share a unique bond in that each got engaged over the last year. "We joke about it a little bit, especially because me and Bogie (Bogar) are catch partners and we do our every day (practices) together," said Mayhew. "We both wear silicone rings and when we are practicing, I joke, 'oh look, it is like we are meant to be partners.'" e connection between the three extends from off the field to on the field. Bogar (second base) and Mayhew (first base) anchor the right side of the infield with Doocy in the circle. "We have to flow together and always be talking," said Bogar. "Whoever is getting the ball needs to know who is covering the bag. We have to talk before every play. I think that makes us stronger together." For Doocy, there is an added level of security in the circle knowing the group behind her has that familiarity. "It is comforting knowing I get to compete with this group of athletes again," said Doocy. "We have created a rhythm over the past few years and have the chance to continue to build on it. For example, I know Aralee will be running to the pitching circle aer each strikeout to celebrate. at familiarity is comforting." All three of the Hawkeyes are looking forward to this senior season and getting to have some of those final moments with their teammates. "I think it is a big deal to make an impact in your last season, especially with not having a full season last year," said Bogar. "It is about making the most of it because this is the last time we have to play the game, so just enjoy it." e three seniors and teammates are ready to capitalize on their final season together. Bogar, Doocy and Mayhew may each have a diamond on their ring fingers, but because of them, Iowa soball has three diamonds on the diamond. MARCH SCHEDULE March 11 vs. Penn State (DH)* March 12 vs. Penn State* March 13 vs. Maryland (DH)* March 14 vs. Maryland* March 26 at Purdue March 27 at Purdue (DH) March 28 at Purdue * Leesburg, Florida