Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — January | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2018-19
EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, the University of Iowa softball team will feature one native Iowan and their journey to Iowa City. This week features junior DoniRae Mayhew.
WHY IOWA
I had always dreamed at playing at a division I school. A power five conference would be even better. Finding a place where I could do that and be close to home would be perfect for me. Deciding to come to Iowa was the best decision for myself that I could have made. When I came on my visit, the atmosphere was something that I couldn’t turn away from. I felt so welcomed by everyone and felt like I belonged here. The big school and the support that all of the athletics teams have was so unreal when I first stepped onto campus, I was blown away. I chose Iowa because it was the best atmosphere I had ever experienced before, I could get a good education and it is close to home. Being close to home was the most important thing to me personally in my decision because I am very close to my parents. I knew that I wouldn’t be happy being far away from my best friends and my support system.
GROWING UP IN IOWA
I was born in Macomb, Illinois, but raised my entire life in Iowa. You could say I was one of the odd ones when it came to living in Iowa, but not being a Hawkeye fan, or going to a single event for any sport my whole life. Both of my parents were born and raised in Illinois, and my dad attended the University of Illinois. I grew up around orange and blue. It was just how my family was. It wasn’t until I was reached out to, that I looked into the school thought about all the possibilities this school would have for me and how perfect of a fit it was.
IOWA CITY
After visiting the city its self for the first time my sophomore year I can truly say that I love it. There are so many opportunities and things to do here. There are lots of places for entertainment, shopping and food right downtown by the campus which is so nice and convenient. So far, being a Hawkeye has already shown me things that I am capable of that I never knew I was capable of. This school has been a fantastic next step in my career for me. The coaches and the girls are outstanding. I can’t wait to play alongside this amazing group of girls this spring!
