IOWA CITY, Iowa — Hillary Cox, Annika Herbine, Mia Magnotta, Lieve Schalk, Ella Wareham, and Jacey Wittel have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Iowa next fall, UI field hockey head coach Lisa Cellucci announced Friday.
“We are so excited to welcome Hillary, Annika, Mia, Lieve, Ella, and Jacey to the Iowa field hockey program,” Cellucci said. “They are wonderful people, talented students, and unbelievable field hockey players. This is an outstanding class that will add depth to every line on the field. Their athleticism, speed, skill, competitiveness, and desire to compete at the highest level will allow this class to make an impact immediately. We can’t wait for them to get on campus and help us to win more championships.”
Hillary Cox | 5-4 | D
Wilmette, IL (New Trier)
- Two-time all-conference selection (2018, 2019) and 2019 second team all-state honoree.
- Earned honor roll recognition in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and was named to the all-academic team in 2018 and 2019.
- Played eight years for the Windy City Field Hockey Club under coach Katie Beach.
- Finished third in the 2016 U14 USAFH National Futures Championships.
- Played lacrosse her freshman year, runs on the track and field team, and competes on the powerlifting team at New Trier.
“I chose Iowa because I love the hardworking and dedicated attitude of the team,” Cox said. “I know the Iowa field hockey team will push me to be the best I can, while also being supportive of my interests in engineering. I love the campus, and the positive environment at Iowa.”
Annika Herbine | 5-3 | F
Macungie, PA (Emmaus)
- First team all-state, all-region, and all-conference as well as third team All-American during junior season
- Three-time state semi-finalist, conference champion, and district champion
- Emmaus team MVP
- 2019 Lehigh Valley Area Player of the Year
- Scored 100th career goal and completed more than 30 goals and 30 assists in a single season during her junior year
- Member of the USA Rise Team and USA National Women’s Indoor Team
- Nine-time USAFH National Indoor Tournament Pool Champion, four-time USAFH National Club Champion, three-time USAFH Disney Showcase Champion, and two-time USAFH Festival Champion with the WC Eagles Field Hockey Club under Jun and Richard Kentwell
“I chose Iowa because of the large college town atmosphere, the extensive health science opportunities, and the positive hockey team environment,” Herbine said.
Mia Magnotta | 5-5 | GK
Forty Fort, PA (Wyoming Seminary)
- Two-time first team all-state (2018, 2019) and one-time second team all-state selection (2017)
- Three-time first team all-Wyoming Valley Conference honoree and team MVP
- Played for Electric Surge Field Hockey Club under Glenn Carr, Lunda Dickson-Comiskey and Chris Comiskey for three
- Part of the crew team during sophomore year, earning a bronze medal at City Championships
- Dean’s List honoree as a freshman, sophomore, and junior
- Sister, Nina, played field hockey at La Salle and Aunt Nina played field hockey at Villanova
“I chose Iowa because I felt it would provide a great balance between competitive athletics and great academics,” Magnotta said. “The Hawkeye community was so welcoming, and I immediately felt as though it was a place, I can call home. With an amazing coaching staff, facilities, teammates, and culture, I feel that I can reach my full potential as a Hawkeye.”
Lieve Schalk | 5-8
Vught, Netherlands (Sint-Jans Lyceum in ‘s-Hertogenbosch)
- Won the indoor Championship of South-Netherlands 6 times.
- Placed third at the national championships as a member of the U14 team at Den Bosch.
- Competed in the Landelijk National youth league with Den Bosch U16 team, during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 season.
- During the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 season, competed in the Landelijk National youth league with Den Bosch U18 team. Due to COVID-19, the seasons were partially canceled.
- Finished fourth at the national indoor hockey championships in 2019.
- Runner-up at the Holland Elite Hockey Cup in 2019 and at the national indoor hockey championships in 2020.
- Member of the U15 and U16 Dutch National Team training squad.
- Sister, Mijntje, plays field hockey on the U16 Hertogernbosch Field Hockey Club team.
“From the beginning I felt a connection with this university,” Schalk said. “The staff and the team are amazing. They already feel like family. The combination between hockey and an academic study is perfect for me. I can’t wait to be in Iowa City in the fall and looking forward for all what is coming to me.”
Ella Wareham | 5-6 | MF
Elm Grove, WI (Brookfield Academy)
- Two-time Wisconsin High School Field Hockey Association State Champion (2017, 2018)
- Three-time (2018, 2019, 2020) first team all-conference and team MVP
- Named to the U17 National team in 2018.
- Played for Wind City Field Hockey Club under Katie Beach for one year and played six years for the Milwaukee Field Hockey Club
- Ran three years of varsity track at Brookfield Academy, qualifying for state in the 4×400-meter relay and setting the school record in 2018.
- Older sister, Liese, plays field hockey at Northwestern.
“I chose Iowa because I immediately felt at home on campus and with the team,” Wareham said. “The coaching staff is outstanding and the resources of a Big Ten school have everything I need to thrive both academically and athletically.”
Jacey Wittel | 5-5 | MF
Pocono Mountains, PA (Pocono Mountain East)
- Earned first team all-state honors in 2019 and second team all-state honors in 2018
- Named to 2019 NFHCA second team, 2019 Morning Call All-Area first team, 2019 all-region second team
- Earned all-academic honors as an individual and part of her team in 2018 and 2019
- Ranks second all-time in scoring at Pocono Mountain East
- Played five years under coaches Brian Hope, Tiffany Cappellano, and Alli Lokey for the X-Calibur Field Hockey Club
- Member of the 2020 USA Field Hockey Rise Women’s National team
- Was a member of the Cardinal’s swimming and track and field teams
- 2020 AP Scholar Award recipient and Distinguished Honors Award recipient twice
- President of the Pocono Mountain East National Honors Society
- Member of the National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, student government (junior class vice president), Future Business Leaders of America, Envirothon, STEM Fair, Computer Science Club, East Pride Initiative, and Reading Competition
- Sister, Jaiden, plays field hockey at New Hampshire, Mom, Amber, played at Millersville, and Dad, Jason, played baseball at Millersville.
“I chose Iowa because of its amazing atmosphere,” Wittel said. “Everywhere on campus feels like home, especially on the hockey field. From the start, the coaches made me feel welcome and part of the team. Iowa also has a great academic program and offers continued support. I’m so excited to join the Hawkeye Family.”
