IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa fifth-year senior Anthe Nijziel has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced Monday by the league office. It is the sixth Big Ten weekly honor of Nijziel’s career.
The Eindhoven, Netherlands, native earned the distinction after leading the Hawkeyes to a 2-0 week with victories over Providence College and No. 22 Massachusetts. Nijziel registered three points (via a goal and an assist) on the weekend and anchored an Iowa defense that surrendered just five shots in two games.
Nijziel assisted on Iowa’s first goal against the Friars before scoring the game-winner in Iowa’s second victory over a ranked foe this season on Sunday. Iowa’s defense did not surrender a shot or penalty corner against the Minutewomen en route to its third shutout of the season.
The defender is Iowa’s first weekly honoree this season. Nijziel previously earned three Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2021, one during the 2020 spring season and she garnered Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors in 2018.
The sixth-ranked Hawkeyes (5-1) close out their five game home stand on Friday, hosting Indiana at 4 p.m. (CT) in their Big Ten opener at Grant Field.
