Feb. 12, 2007
Iowa City – The University of Iowa field hockey team signed five prep standouts for the 2007 season. Maggie Neill, Sarah Pergine, and Amy Baxter all hail from Pennsylvania. Chelsea Miller is from Texas, while Paige Lowrey is from Colorado.
“This class of five outstanding student-athletes is exciting,” Iowa Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum said. “They bring an enormous amount of experience and excitement to an already talented team. We will return nine starters from last season and I feel the addition of this class will be amazing. They all are at a level to compete for playing time immediately. They have experience playing more than one position and within the class they cover the forward, midfield and back positions which will give us the much needed depth that we need. Overall, they are a tremendous class that will add to the great Iowa Field Hockey tradition.”
Neill attends Hatboro-Horsham High School in Ambler, PA and has played on many successful teams throughout her career, including four National Hockey Festival Championship winning teams and three National Indoor Tournament Championship teams. She also helped her team win the silver medal in the 2005 Argentine Hockey Cup. She has earned all-league and all-area honors, first team all-state and first team academic all-state.
“Maggie is a solid all-around player that has more experience on the defensive end.” Griesbaum said. “She reads plays well and understands defensive positioning at a high level. She distributes the ball with confidence which will help our outletting ability.”
Baxter attends Central Bucks High School South in Warrington, PA. She participated in the Junior Olympics in 2004 and 2005 and the National Futures Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Her team won the gold medal in 2004 and bronze in 2005. She participated in the National Indoor Tournament in 2004, 2005 and won the pool in 2006. Baxter took part in the National Hockey Festival in 2004, 2005 and 2006, winning the pool all three years. She was named Most Valuable Player in 2006 after leading her high school team in goals for the season. Baxter has earned an array of accolades. A few of the highlights include being named first team all league from 2004-06, all-state and futures elite in 2006.
“She is a great all-around field hockey player.” Griesbaum said. “She possesses strong fundamental skills on both sides of the ball. Amy has experience playing many positions and that versatility will pay off as she takes her game to the college level.”
Pergine attends Perkiomen Valley High School in Collegeville, PA. She was a four year starter and team captain during her senior season. She finished her high school career with a total of 50 goals and 46 assists. She was her team’s recipient of the Top Offensive Player Award in 2005 and 2006, first team PAC-10 League (2005, 2006), Pottstown Mercury all-area (2005, 2006), Norristown Times Herald all-area (2005, 2006) and second team Philadelphia Inquirer all-southeastern PA. (2006).
“Sarah is a great all-around athlete.” Griesbaum said. “She has the most experience on the offensive side of things but it’s her versatility that will be most welcomed. She has a solid understanding of both offensive and defensive concepts but it may be her tenacity to set up scoring opportunities that is most appreciated.”
Miller attends Hockaday School in Dallas, TX. She is a multitalented athlete who has earned twelve varsity letters from three sports (field hockey, soccer and softball). Miller was named to the first team all-Southwest Preparatory Conference after her sophomore, junior and senior seasons and Penn Monto/NFHCA High School all-Region team in 2006. She has participated in the National Futures Championships in 2004 and 2005 when she helped the team win the bronze medal. On a national level, she was a Futures Elite selection (2005-06) and a member of the NFHCA High School National Academic Squad (2006).
“Chelsea is a playmaker.” Griesbaum said. “She has phenomenal eliminations skills and this allows her to break down defenses and set up plays on the offensive end. She has the physical skills to step in and raise the level of play immediately.”
Lowrey attends Colorado Academy High School in Denver. She has lettered all four years as well as being voted her high school team’s Most Valuable Player during her senior season. Lowrey excelled on the defensive side of the ball while leading her team to the state finals for the third year in a row. Throughout her career, she has participated in the California Cup, the Festival as well as Futures at a regional and national level.
“Paige is a great passer.” Griesbaum said. “She sees the field very well and has the skills and decision making ability to keep possession for her team. She is able to play both midfield and defense and is comfortable on both sides of the field.” The newest Hawkeyes plan on helping the team to a successful year and hoping to improve on the 2006 season, which included a Big Ten Tournament Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.