June 11, 2009
UI Women’s Basketball Golf Outing Photo Gallery
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior JoAnn Hamlin has probably fielded more than a few inquiries about the women’s basketball trip to Greece in 2007. Hamlin is the lone Hawkeye player currently on the roster who made that journey, and she appreciates the primary fundraiser that allowed her a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That fundraiser is the annual University of Iowa women’s basketball golf outing. Twenty-four groups teed off Thursday, June 11, at Finkbine Golf Course. UI head coach Lisa Bluder addressed the field before play began, thanking them for their support of this significant event.
“We’re very fortunate to get to do that,” said Hamlin, referring to the overseas trip. “It’s a life experience, going to see ancient statues in Greece and other cultures. These are things most Americans never get a chance to do, let alone 18, 19 and 20-year olds.”
Incoming freshman Morgan Johnson from Platte City, Mo., spent the day meeting friends of the Hawkeye program, as well as spending valuable bonding time with her teammates.
“I greeted people and told them we really appreciate them being here and supporting us,” Johnson said. “I’m excited because I get to meet my teammates and respond to them at a more personal level than just on the court. When people are off the court, they always act different than when they’re on the court. It’s a lot more fun to hang with them outside of basketball.”
Iowa turned in its second consecutive 21-win season in 2008-09 and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the sixth time in the past nine seasons. Kelsey Cermak, a junior forward, will join Hamlin and junior Kachine Alexander as team captains next season. This is the third golf outing Cermak, a native of Norwalk, Iowa.
“It’s fun to talk to all the people who come out and play,” Cermak said. “They’re all big Hawkeye fans, so it’s fun to joke with them a little bit and show them we’re happy they’re supporting us.”