Feb. 7, 2007
IOWA CITY –
The University of Iowa field hockey team held their annual banquet on Feb. 4th. During the banquet the athletes and coaches shared stories about their season and individual careers with family and friends.
The banquet was a time that the coaches and players could recognize their two beloved seniors, Heather Schnepf and Kara Zappone. They have given the team more than words can describe. A highlight video was shown at the conclusion of the event. The video highlighted the Hawkeyes run to the NCAA Tournament including a Big Ten Tournament Championship.
The banquet was mainly focused around the team awards, which were voted on by the athletes and coaches. Schnepf was awarded with the Most Valuable Player, Meghan Beamesderfer was voted Practice Player of the Year, Caroline Blaum was the recipient Dr. Christine Grant Leadership Award and Adrienne Dybus and Blaum shared the Nancy McLinden Carr Award.
Schnepf earned the Most Valuable Player award, which goes to the athlete who demonstrates outstanding skill, character, competitive drive, leadership, and devotion to team goals. These traits are embodied by the individual that the team and coaches deem most valuable to team success. Schnepf was voted the team’s MVP last season as well.
“Heather has been a `go to’ player for us for three years,” head coach Tracey Griesbaum said. “She is dominant and poised at all times on the field. Heather is an amazing player both with and without the ball. When times got tough this year, the team turned to Heather to make a big play. Every aspect of her play will be missed on the field next year.”
Beamesderfer won Practice Player of the Year, which goes to the athlete who maintains the highest level of intensity in practice throughout the year, helping to make her teammates better by always competing and giving everything she has in all training situations.
“Meg is a flat out competitor.” Griesbaum said. “She came to practice every day ready to play at the highest level. Meg is the type of hockey player that combines skill and a bit of grit. When the game is on the line, you want her on the field.”
Blaum earned the Dr. Chistine Grant Leadership Award, presented to the athlete who demonstrates leadership on a daily basis. She has the utmost respect of her teammates, coaches, and opponents, and represents the University of Iowa in a first class manner in the classroom and on the field.
“Caroline is a true leader!” Griesbaum said. “She has the ability to bridge gaps between people and groups with sound reasoning and great communication. Caroline has been a two-year captain and is someone the team leans on to keep them together and to move them forward.”
The Nancy McLinden Carr is in memory of a fallen Iowa Field Hockey family member. It is awarded to the athlete who consistently exudes enthusiasm, energy, and a positive attitude within the Iowa Field Hockey program. These attributes were possessed by Nancy in the game of field hockey and life. Dybus and Blaum tied for the award.
“Caroline has an unprecedented passion to play hockey.” Griesbaum said. “It is her enthusiasm both on and off the field that is truly contagious. Her attitude is contagious and this has helped the team with their belief that anything is possible. Adrienne is a phenomenal role model. She is always prepared and brings a high level of excitement and determination for everything that she does. Her positive energy and optimistic outlook have rubbed off on all of her teammates, both older and younger.”
The Iowa Field Hockey team will compete in the Midwest Spring League for the first time this year. It will give the team a chance to play other schools and sharpen their skills. Their first game is scheduled for March 31st at Northwestern.