IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa track and field program announced Thursday that 26 female student-athletes encompass the 2020 incoming recruiting class.
The incoming class for the women represent 10 states, including 13 athletes from the state of Iowa and one from Great Britain.
Amber Aesoph –
Sioux City, Iowa
Bishop Heelan Catholic High School
2:12.41 (800M)
4:42.45 (1500M)
“Bishop Heelan Catholic senior Amber Aesoph has developed into one of the state’s star middle distance runners. The Hawkeyes are excited to welcome Amber who has earned four top-5 finishes at every distance between the 800 and 3,000 meters at the IHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Not to be thought of as just a track athlete, she has finished in the top 15 of the Class 3A State Cross Country Championships every year, including a sixth place finish in 2019. In March, Amber led her team to the Class 3A state basketball title. Amber is just a terrific all-around athlete that I can’t wait to coach her.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Alivia Bauer –
Indianola, Iowa
Indianola High School
40’10 3/4 (Shot Put)
139’0 (Discus)
“Alivia is a hidden gem in my opinion. She is a multi-sport high school athlete that was showing a lot of promise to becoming one of the best combination throwers in the state of Iowa and the Midwest. Alivia will provide quality depth to our strong women’s program and will be a contributing factor within the Big Ten.” – Coach Eric Werskey
Alli Bookin-Nosbisch –
Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa High School
56.97 (400M)
2:10.23 (800M)
2019 Iowa Class 4A State Champion in the 800M
“Alli was the Iowa high school state champ last year and has become a nationally elite competitor. It is extremely hard to have an immediate impact as a freshman in the Big Ten, but I am very confident she has the skills to make a final from day one. She is a fantastic competitor and has a nose for the finish line. She knows how to win, knows how to handle big time races and is going to make a big mark at the University of Iowa. We signed the best two middle-distance runners in the state of Iowa this year and Alli is one of them.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Grace Bookin-Nosbisch –
Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa High School
2:12.44 (800M)
2019 Iowa Class 4A fourth-place finisher in the 800M
“Grace is an unbelievable addition to our program. She is still very raw and has an upside that could take her all the way to the NCAA meet. I’ve seen her run throughout her high school career, and I knew she was going to be a star from day one. She continued to stay humble – making nearly a dozen state finals in her career and running on some of the state’s finest relays. She doesn’t even know how good she can be – but we are going to find out. We signed the best two 800 girls in our state, and she is the other half of that dynamic duo.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Gabrielle Bullard –
Solon, Iowa
Solon High School
65.70 (400H)
2:26.87 (800M)
131’4 (Javelin)
3723 (Heptathlon)
“Gabbi was born and raised a Hawkeye, and we are fortunate to have her join our women’s program. I am looking forward to seeing her transition into a multi-event athlete and feel that she will prosper at the collegiate level. She takes care of business on the track and in the classroom and will be a great personality to add to the group. Gabbi has the ideal work ethic and demeanor for the pent and hep; I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes as a Hawkeye.” – Coach Paige Knodle
Dimia Burrell –
Marion, Iowa
Linn-Mar High School
18’3 ¾ (Long Jump)
2019 Iowa Class 4A 3rd Place Finisher in the Long Jump
“The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome Dimia Burrell and her family. I believe the University of Iowa is a blue-collar school. Hard work and dedication are what we are all about. No one embodies this ideal more than Dimia. The more I get to know this young lady, the more excited I get about what she brings to the table. She will be a great asset to our program moving forward.” –Coach Clive Roberts
Taylor Cannon –
North Liberty, Iowa
Liberty High School
14.45 (100H)
“Taylor was the top returning 100 hurdler in the state of Iowa this season. She has a tremendous upside and I believe once she gets into our program and has an opportunity to train year-round she will make huge improvements. Taylor was a great leader in a new high school, and I expect she will continue to bring those great leadership qualities to Iowa. I’m excited to start working with Taylor and continue our great tradition of Iowa prep hurdlers making it to the highest level of collegiate track and field.” – Coach Joey Woody
Erin Dowd –
Brighton, Michigan
Western Michigan University
54.08 (400M)
57.87 (400H)
“Erin is one of the top returning 400 hurdlers in the NCAA, and we are extremely excited to have her join our team. I believe she make an immediate impact in our program, and contribute in both hurdle events as well as the 4×400 relay at the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. Erin has big goals this year, and I believe we have the training group, facilities, and coaching to help her reach those goals. I can’t wait to get Erin on campus so we can start working together.” – Coach Joey Woody
Claire Edmondson –
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque Senior High School
2:15.64 (800M)
4:43.07 (1500M)
10:03.12 (3000M)
“Claire Edmondson of Dubuque Senior High School will join a strong class of distance talent at the University of Iowa. Following a junior year that saw her finish in the top six of every distance event contested by the IHSAA, she remained a consistent top-finisher in the IHSAA state series with a seventh place finish in the 2019 Class 4A Cross Country Championship. Her competitive acumen is accompanied by personal records of 2:15.4 for the 800, 4:43.07 for the 1,500, 10:03.12 for the 3,000 and 17:55 in 5k cross country.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Bryce Gidel –
Humboldt, Iowa
Humboldt High School
4:48.08 (1500M)
10:29.30 (3000M)
18:50.60 (5000M CC)
“The University of Iowa track and field and cross country programs are excited to welcome multi-time all-state distance runner Bryce Gidel from Humboldt High school. Bryce has remained a top performer in Class 3A since her freshman year, recording personal records of 4:48.08 for 1,500 and 10:29.30 for the 3,000, and finishing in the top 10 at the state cross country championship each of the last two years.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Kayla Hutchins –
Royse City, Texas
Royse City High School
18’5 (Long Jump)
40’1 3/4 (Triple Jump)
“The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome Kaylah Hutchins and her family. On Kaylah’s official visit to Iowa the one thing that struck me about her was how calm she was. She seemed to possess a level of maturity that far surpassed her age. She will add tremendous depth to a growing horizontal jumps crew. I cannot wait to start working with her to develop her skills.”– Coach Clive Roberts
Karina Joiner –
Woodbury, Minnesota
Harvard University
13.38 (100H)
58.86 (400H)
“Karina is one of the top returning combo-hurdlers in the NCAA, and someone we believe can compete to score in multiple events in the Big Ten and qualify to the NCAA Championships. With her season cut short due to Covid-19, Karina was looking for the right place that can help her reach her goals of making the NCAA Championship final. I believe Karina has ability as well as the drive and determination to make that happen. I can’t wait to get Karina into our hurdle program and start working towards reaching those goals.” – Coach Joey Woody
Paige Magee –
Columbia, Missouri
Battle High School
13.94 (100H)
60.81 (400H)
“Paige is one of the top combo-hurdlers in the 2020 high school class. She will not only be an immediate impact athlete for us, but she will continue to build our hurdle program into one of the best in the country throughout her career at Iowa. I believe Paige has a tremendous upside in both hurdle events, and she has the work ethic to match her athleticism. Paige has big goals, and I can’t wait to start working with her this fall.” – Coach Joey Woody
Brooke McKee –
Johnston, Iowa
Johnston High School
4:43.47 (1500M)
10:20.55 (3000M)
17:54.96 (5000M CC)
2019 Iowa Class 4A State Runner-Up in the 3000M
“Joining her sister Jessica McKee on the team at Iowa, Brooke will look to bolster the Hawkeye’s Class of 2024 distance running prowess. Despite injury putting a damper on her senior cross country campaign, Brooke, a proven competitor, was still able to contribute to Johnston’s team title in 2019. Her 4:43.47 performance for 1,500 last spring ranked her as the ninth Iowan at the distance. Her presence in the top four at the IHSAA Class 4A cross country championships over the last three years shows an ability that will positively impact in the transition to the rigors of Division I cross country. Brooke intends to study business while at Iowa.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Katie Moore –
Olathe, Kansas
St. James Academy
56.80 (400M)
2:13.58 (800M)
18:26.59 (5000M CC)
2019 Kansas Class 5A State Runner-Up in Cross Country
“Katie is one of the most focused and locked in young women I’ve ever recruited. She has an unbelievable vision for herself and knows where she wants to go as a runner. She has dominated the state of Kansas in everything from the 400 meters to cross country. Her range is absolutely stunning. We had a great connection throughout the recruiting process. I loved getting to know her and I could tell she was tough as nails. I am so excited that she chose Iowa to continue her athletic and academic career.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Kenli Nettles –
Urbana, Illinois
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School
14.23 (100H)
61.67 (400H)
5’7 (High Jump)
4510 (Heptathlon)
“I’ve had my eye on Kenli for quite a while as one of the all-time greatest athletes in the state of Illinois. I could not be more thrilled that she chose to be a Hawkeye. Kenli is a tremendous addition to the elite level multis group we have established and will also add depth in the jumps and hurdles. She has an infectious energy and motivation for success that is rare and extremely special in an athlete. I am very excited to see her compete at this level and I feel lucky to be able to work with her.” – Coach Paige Knodle
Nylah Perry –
Sicklerville, New Jersey
Winslow Township High School
24.73 (200M)
56.23 (400M)
62.00 (400H)
“Nylah comes to Iowa after having a breakout indoor season where she set big PR’s in the 400 meters. As one of the top 400 hurdlers in the country, I believe Nylah has the tools to make many Big Ten finals and compete to reach the NCAA championships. Nylah has great work ethic and comes from a very successful high school program where they expect to win. I believe Nylah will bring that same drive and expectations to Iowa. I can’t wait to start working with Nylah this fall.” – Coach Joey Woody
Katie Peterson –
Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny Centennial High School
14.70 (100H)
“Katie is one of the best 100 hurdlers in the state of Iowa. She was on pace to have a huge breakout senior season before it was cancelled. Katie had a great start to her indoor season winning the Dickenson relays and setting a new PR. Katie has an amazing work ethic, and I’m excited to work with her and help her reach her goals of competing to make Big Ten finals and the NCAA championships.” – Coach Joey Woody
Clare Pitcher –
Franklin, Wisconsin
Franklin High School
56.81 (400M)
2:12.11 (800M)
“Clare is an unbelievable talent that I am thrilled to add to our women’s middle-distance group. She has speed, endurance, and is one of the most naturally gifted 800 runners I have ever recruited. Claire did a great job of connecting with the athletes on our team during her visit and it was pretty clear to me that she would fit right in. I just had such a good feeling about her from the first time we talked. She isn’t just a great runner, Clare is a really good person that I look forward to spending my days at the track with. I think she has Big Ten medalist potential and I can’t wait to coach her.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Eavion Richardson
Shaftesbury Barnet/East London TC
Luton, Great Britain
19’8 (Long Jump)
42’9 ½ (Triple Jump)
“The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome Eavion Richardson and her family. What a great addition to our program. Eavion comes a long way to join our track and field family. She is a young lady that knows what she wants and has gone out and gotten it. Eavion will play an integral part in success of Iowa Track and Field in 2020-2021 season. I can’t wait to start working with this fantastic young lady.” – Coach Clive Roberts
Tesa Roberts –
Chicago, Illinois
Brooks College Prep High School
56.46 (400M)
2:20.34 (800M)
“Tesa is one of the best long sprinters in the Midwest. She was fantastic during the indoor season and was going to contend to be the best 400 runner in the state of Illinois this spring. I have been incredibly impressed by this young lady’s drive and strong mindset. Tesa isn’t coming to Iowa to be average, she is determined to be a game changer and I love that about her. She is going to help create an exciting new culture in the women’s long sprints and has shown some really nice range up to 600 and 800 meters. Tesa is the hidden gem of this recruiting class.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Abby Ryon –
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Mt. Pleasant High School
10:33.03 (3000M)
18:55.30 (5000M CC)
Seventh place at the 2019 Iowa Class 3A State Cross Country Championships
“The depth of the Iowa women’s cross country roster continues to grow with the addition of Abby Ryon. Following her fourth place performance at the IHSAA 3,000-meters final this past spring, Abby has proven to be a rising performer in the state, finishing seventh in the Class 3A Cross Country Championships. Abby’s personal bests are 4:54.93 and 10:33.03 in the 1,500 and 3,000. Abby intends on pursuing a degree in human physiology while at Iowa.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Gianna Sagona –
Belvidere, Illinois
Belvidere North High School
“Gianna is a two-time top 10 finisher in Illinois cross country. With those performances, she helped lead her team to class 2A titles in 2016 and 2018. Gianna was also named Rockford Register Star’s All Star Preps MVP for women’s cross country in 2018. She brings a wealth of ability and experience to a very young and talented distance squad here at Iowa. Gianna is going to help this program continue to grow and build early on in her career here with the Hawkeyes.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Cortney Strohman –
Pierre, South Dakota
Liberty University
53.99 (400M)
“Cortney had a terrific career at Liberty University and with one more season of eligibility I am hoping we can send her out with a bang. She is a veteran and is going to bring maturity and poise to our women’s long sprint group. Cortney has the ability to compete to win medals at the Big Ten Championship and help elevate our 4 x 400M onto the national stage. I’m really looking forward to working with her this season. She is an immediate impact signee.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Kelli Tosic –
Grayslake, Illinois
Grayslake North High School
11:01.15 (3200M)
17:39.00 (3-Miles CC)
“The Hawkeye family is happy to welcome Kelli Tosic to the cross country and track and field programs. The IHSA 2A Cross Country All-State performer will add depth to a growing women’s Hawkeye roster. Her personal bests on the track include 5:10.63 for 1,600 and 11:01.15 for the 3,2000. The Illinois-native boasts a strong Iowa connection through her mother, the legendary Hawkeye distance runner and U.S. Olympian, Jenny Spangler.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Ellie Twedt –
Ballard, Iowa
Ballard High School
“This past fall, Ellie led Ballard High School to its first ever cross country team title. She is a two-time All- State performer in cross country and now has a team championship added to her resume. Ellie played a huge role in her team winning a state title and I believe her championship experience will carry over into her collegiate experience. Ellie knows how to help her team win and will provide high quality depth for a young distance squad with big goals this fall.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
