IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa, pending approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, will break ground in late fall on a $4 million state-of-the-art soccer operations facility on the west side of the Iowa Soccer Complex. This new space will open in time for the 2021 fall season — the 25th year of Iowa women’s soccer.
The proposed facility, funded entirely by private support, will include:
- A spacious locker room and lounge/team room that will dramatically improve Iowa soccer student-athletes efficiency and experience while creating a “one-stop home” for Iowa women’s soccer.
- A multi-purpose room, overlooking one of the best soccer fields in the Big Ten Conference, that creates a space for student-athletes to enjoy pregame and postgame meals, watch film, study, and socialize, as well as to host donors and other events before and after matches.
- An athletic training room, allowing student-athletes to receive treatments from sports medicine staff after a practice or game — without having to travel to another campus location.
- Additional amenities including; coaches’ offices, visiting team and officials’ locker rooms, press box, and storage.
“We truly appreciate the support from our soccer alumni and friends. These are challenging times, but the passion of these loyal individuals has pushed this facility forward and are making it a reality,” said Gary Barta, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “We are coming off a historic soccer season and have significant momentum around the program. With permission to proceed from the Board of Regents, we look forward to beginning construction this fall.”
Dave DiIanni is entering his seventh season as the program’s head coach. During the 2019 season, DiIanni led the Hawkeyes to one of their best seasons in program history, tying a school record with 15 victories en route to the the second NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.
The Hawkeyes won seven Big Ten games — tied for the most all-time — and achieved their highest ranking — No. 19 — in program history during the regular season. DiIanni has won 61 games during his Iowa tenure.
Iowa has also excelled academically under DiIanni’s watch with two players garnering four Academic All-America honors. The program has earned the United Soccer Team Academic Award each season and Iowa had a school record 19 Academic All-Big Ten selections in 2019.
“One of the most important things that we have done over the past six years is build a winning culture — doing your best on and off the field,” said DiIanni. “Building an operations facility at the Iowa Soccer Complex is a game-changer for our program.
“This facility will significantly enhance our student-athlete experience. It has been a long-time vision for the program and we look forward, with support of others, to completing this campaign successfully and putting the ball in the back of the net.”
More information will be coming soon at jointheiclub.com.