Iowa's Katie Birch celebrates as Iowa scores during a game against Ball State on Sunday, Sep. 2, 2018. The Hawkeyes defeated the Cardinals 7–1.
Sarah Altemeier, The Daily Iowan
Some of Iowa field hockey’s most influential players have come from around the world to experience the Hawkeye lifestyle.
The sport’s international squad comprises senior Isabella Brown, juniors Katie Birch and Sophie Sunderland, sophomores Maddy Murphy and Ellie Holley, and freshmen Lokke Stribos and Anthe Nijziel.
Going to a different country to attend school and compete in a college sport is a big decision, but one that has numerous reasons behind it.
“I chose to go to Iowa because of the family feeling I felt when I was talking to the coaches, and they also really help push the students to do our best on and off the field,” said Brown, a native of Christchurch, New Zealand. The Hawkeye atmosphere draws in athletes from All over the globe and craetes a unique opportunity. “The facilities and the support given to a student-athlete out here are like nothing given at home, something I couldn’t miss,” said Sunderland, originally from Ipswich, England.
Murphy’s hometown of Riana, Tasmania, is the farthest from Grant Field, with the distance sitting at around 9,500 miles. She agreed with Sunderland about the support provided for Hawkeye athletes.