Hawk Talk Monthly — December | Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2019-20
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior Katie Birch earned First Point USA/NFHCA West Region Player of the Year recognition, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association announced on Thursday.
“What a fantastic honor and so well deserved. I could not be prouder of Katie Birch,” Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci said. “She has grown immensely in so many ways over the past four years and has been a leader for our program. She is the ultimate competitor, and I am so happy her talent and diligence is being rewarded.”
A native of York, England, Birch started 79 games in her career, collecting 41 goals, 32 assists and 114 points. The 2019 All-West Region honoree, Big Ten Player of the Year, and unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection added seven goals and 10 assists, totaling 24 points during the 2019 season.
Birch was also a pivotal part of the Hawkeyes’ defense this year, helping the Hawkeyes hold opponents to 27 goals on the season, while giving Iowa the opportunity to score 65 goals.
The 2019 NFHCA Division I All-American Teams will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
