Hawkeyes Announce Team Awards

May 19, 2009

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IOWA CITY, IA – – The University of Iowa field hockey team announced its team award winners for the 2008 season Saturday at its annual awards banquet. The Most Valuable Player, the Practice Player of the Year, the Nancy McLinden Carr Award and the Dr. Christine Grant Leadership Award were all announced.

Senior Lauren Pfeiffer was named Most Valuable Player. This award is presented to the player 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. Pfeiffer was named first team all-American, first team NFHCA West Regional all-American, first team all-Big Ten and academic all-Big Ten in 2008. In addition, she was named Big Ten Tournament MVP and was named to the NCAA Tournament all-Tournament team. Pfeiffer started every game and led the team in points (44) and goals (20). She ended her career with 53 career goals, moving her into ninth on Iowa’s all-time list.

Senior Roz Ellis won the Practice Player of the Year award. The award is given to the player 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 sessions.

Senior Caroline Blaum won the Nancy McLinden Carr Award and the Dr. Christine Grant Leadership Award. The Nancy McLinden Carr Award is presented to the player 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.

In addition, the Dr. Christine Grant Leadership Award is presented to the player who demonstrates leadership on a daily basis. She has the utmost respect of her teammates, coaches and opponents. She represents the University of Iowa in a first class manner in the classroom and on the field.

Iowa finished 18-5 in 2008 and won its third-straight Big Ten Tournament title. The Hawkeyes advanced to the NCAA semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Maryland in double overtime.