Griesbaum Named Regional Coach of the Year

Dec. 7, 2011

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa head field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum has been named the 2011 Dita/NFHCA West Region Coach of the Year. It is Griesbaum’s second career regional coach of the year honor (2008). In 2004, she was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

“This honor is a reflection of the entire program,” said Griesbaum. “The staff has a very high standard and we strive for excellence consistently. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of a wonderful group of Hawkeyes. It was a complete pleasure coaching the team this season. I look forward to continued team success, but more importantly, I treasure the opportunity to coach the Hawkeyes.”

Griesbaum completed her 12th season at the helm of the program in 2011. She led the Hawkeyes to an overall record of 15-5 (4-2 in Big Ten play) and guided the Black and Gold to their 21st NCAA Tournament in program history. The 15 wins marked a 12-win turnaround from the previous year. Iowa finished this season ranked 12th nationally.

Griesbaum coached four regional All-Americans in 2011, three All-Big selections and junior Jessica Barnett, who earned the program’s 81st national All-America honor. Additionally, 11 Hawkeyes earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, marking the most in program history.

Iowa also garnered six weekly Big Ten honors this season. Barnett earned three Big Ten Player of the Week awards, becoming the first Hawkeye to accomplish the feat since Kristy Gleason in 1992.

Griesbaum has led the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten Tournament Championships (2006, 2007, 2008), one regular season Big Ten Championship, five NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2008 NCAA Final Four. Under her tutelage, Iowa has earned 16 national All-America honors, 45 regional All-America honors, 44 All-Big Ten selections, three Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards and two Big Ten Freshman of the Year awards.

The 2011 Dita/NFHCA Division I National Coach of the Year will be announced on Jan. 13, 2012.