IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomore Leah Zellner was named to the USA Field Hockey U21 National Team, the organization announced Tuesday. Zellner, a forward from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, participated in the U21 trials over the past week and was named to the active team of roughly 60 athletes.
Zellner had a breakout season in 2019, posing a huge impact and helping the team to both a Big Ten regular season title and Big Ten Tournament title. The forward finished the season tied for the conference lead in game winning goals (4), while playing in less games than her constituents. Zellner recorded seven goals on the season tying All-American Katie Birch for third most goals for the Hawkeyes.
Adding to her breakout season, Zellner put in six goals and added two assists compared to her 2018 season. She finished the season with 16 total points and the second-best shot-on-goal percentage on the team (.684).
Zellner is the fourth athlete under Lisa Cellucci to be named to the United States U21 National Team, alongside Natalie Cafone (2013, 2014), Dani Hemeon (2013), and Lauren Pfeiffer (2014-15). Katie Birch represented the England U21 National Team (2018, 2019). Grace McGuire also participated on the United States U19 National Team (2018).
