Editor’s Note: On Aug. 11, the Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By JAMES ALLAN
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Hailey Rydberg knew there was an opportunity when she returned to the University of Iowa soccer team in the spring of 2019.
The Hawkeyes were coming off a banner season where they tied a school record with 15 victories and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history. Rydberg’s role was about to change following the graduation of a 13-player senior class.
“Once they left, I realized I was prepared for this and looking up to them, I knew I could have a bigger role,” said Rydberg, a junior midfielder from St. Charles, Illinois. “I would ask myself, ‘What would they do? What did they teach me?’
“With the 13 seniors gone, it was important for me and some of the younger players to step into that role.”
From the moment Rydberg returned to campus following winter break, head coach Dave DiIanni saw a focused and determined player.
“She came back and was our best player from the beginning during the spring,” said DiIanni. “She has improved every semester she has been in our program. She has gotten stronger, her mentality and her tactical awareness are better and she has gotten more skilled.”