Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — February | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
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 freshman Kate Claypool.
WHY IOWA
Both of my parents and grandparents, along with other extended family, attended Iowa, so all I’ve ever known is to cheer for the Hawks. The University of Iowa has provided me a priceless opportunity to focus on academics at an outstanding university, while also playing the sport I love for the Hawkeyes. Playing softball here has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl attending winter softball camps in Iowa City. It is so special to play as a Hawkeye, especially under coaches with such strong ties to Iowa. Being a Hawkeye means so much more than competing on the field, it is a feeling that is almost impossible to describe. The community and pride surrounding the black and gold is amazing, and I am so honored to be a part of this program at Iowa.
GROWING UP IN IOWA
Having grown up in a die-hard Iowa family, I have attended countless Hawkeye football and basketball games. I always dreamed of being on the other side, actually playing in black and gold and representing the University of Iowa. Being so close to home has allowed my family and friends to support me, along with my incredible community back home, which is something that means the world to me. That loyal community feel was a constant while I was growing up and it is here at Iowa too, which is what makes this state unique. Iowans have incredible allegiance to the Hawkeyes and that makes playing softball here so rewarding.
IOWA CITY
Iowa City is the stuff of legends in my family- a place loved dearly, always spoken of highly and where countless friendships, memories, and laughs were created. Now that I am here, I get to finally see what they were talking about! Iowa City has already exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to everything the next four years have to offer. Iowa City is one of a kind and the center of a constantly growing community of pride and support that amazes me every day. Iowa City has always felt like a home away from home, and I am thankful to finally be able to call it my home. I cannot wait to continue working hard with this team and see all we are going to accomplish this Spring. Go Hawks!
– Kate Claypool
