Hawkeyes Ink Four Standout Preps

Feb. 5, 2010

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IOWA CITY, IA – – The University of Iowa field hockey program has signed four standout preps. Aubrey Coleman, Kelsey Mitchell, Danielle Peirson and Kim Scraper all signed national letters of intent to attend the University of Iowa next fall.

“This class has a high level of skill and tactical awareness,” said Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum. “They are excited to be Hawkeyes and are looking forward to the challenge of taking their game to the next level. All four freshmen will be competing for spots on the field immediately. I am confident they will help propel this team in 2010.”

Coleman, a midfielder from Mickleton, NJ, is a three-time National Futures Championship participant. The Kingsway Regional High School standout was team captain in 2009. As a senior, she was named the Gloucester County Times Field Hockey Player of the Year. In addition, she was named first team All-South Jersey by the Star Ledger, Philadelphia Inquirer and the Courier Post. A 2008 Junior Olympian, Coleman also excelled off the field hockey field. Coleman is a two-time state track champion (4×800 and distance medley), a National Honor Society member and is Student Council President.

“Aubrey is a great athlete,” said Griesbaum. “She is a versatile player and will help us on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”

“Before I began looking at any colleges, I said to myself- “I want a college with school spirit, great hockey and high academic rigor”,” said Coleman. “I knew I was being pretty picky, but I had to have some guidelines. When I visited Iowa, I found this school had met and surpassed all of my guidelines. I fell in love with its unmatched school spirit, the field hockey team, the coaches and their love for the game, and the academic opportunities, which are endless. Most importantly, I felt comfortable. I knew it was far from home, but I also knew I could make a home of it. Now, when someone says `why Iowa?’ I say, `why not Iowa?’.”

Mitchell, a forward from Berlin, NJ, was a two-time NFHCA High School first team all-American and was named New Jersey State Player of the Year twice. The Eastern Regional High School standout holds the high school record for career goals in the state of New Jersey (171). Mitchell was a member of the 2008 and 2009 United States U16 National Team that competed on the Holland Tour. Additionally, she was a three-time Eastern Regional High School Field Hockey Scholar Athlete.

“Kelsey will help us with the ability to set up goal scoring opportunities,” said Griesbaum. “We are looking forward to having her skills on the field. Her tactical knowledge, along with her goal scoring ability, will be a huge addition to the team.”

“Iowa has everything I could ever ask for,” said Mitchell. “The hockey family made me feel comfortable to be away from home and the school provides the academic challenge I desired. I cannot imagine myself anywhere else and I am looking forward to wearing the Black and Gold.”

Peirson, a defender hailing from Conestoga, PA, was a 2009 all-state selection and a 2009 PA LL League Section III All-Star. A team captain as a senior, she recorded 19 goals and 12 assists at Lancaster Mennonite School. Peirson was a 2009 National Futures Championship participant and a 2008 National Futures Championship gold medalist.

“Danielle has a strong presence on the field,” said Griesbaum. “Her ability to distribute will help us move the ball out of our defensive end and into scoring position. She is a solid defender that will help elevate our ability to shut opponents down.”

“The University of Iowa offers many opportunities to their student-athletes,” said Peirson. “It is a place where I can excel in athletics and in the classroom. The outstanding educational program will help prepare me for a career as a teacher. Hawkeye Field Hockey is an outstanding program with great tradition, passionate coaches as well as dedicated and committed teammates.”

Scraper, a forward hailing from West Vancouver, Canada, was a two-time U19 Disney Gold champion, a two-time AAA High School Provincial Champion and a three-time AAA High School all-star. In 2009, she was a member of the Canadian National Team’s developmental squad and was a U18 Canada Cup champion. The West Vancouver Secondary School standout is also an accomplished ice hockey and soccer player.

“Iowa has everything I was looking for in a school; a competitive team, great coaching staff, a beautiful campus and my career choice path,” said Scraper. “I wanted to become a Hawkeye when I saw the team together and their awesome spirit and enthusiasm. When I had the opportunity to be part of it, I took it with pride!” “Kim is an amazing attacking player,” said Griesbaum. “She has great speed and athleticism. Her skills will be a huge addition to the attacking side of the ball for us.”

The Iowa field hockey team is in the midst of its spring season and is looking forward to upcoming competition in March and April.