UI Breaks Ground on Field Hockey Operations Center

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa community gathered Thursday for a milestone groundbreaking ceremony, marking the official start of construction on a state-of-the-art Field Hockey Operations Center adjacent to Grant Field. The special event brought together university leadership, coaches, donors, and student-athletes to celebrate a long-awaited moment that will forever transform the Hawkeye field hockey program.

"This facility is a long-overdue home for a program that has brought so much pride and success to the University of Iowa," President Barbara Wilson said during the ceremony. "When we invest in state-of-the-art facilities like this, we are investing directly in our student-athletes—giving them the tools, resources, and community space they need to thrive both on the field and in the classroom.”

The building will centralize and elevate the student-athlete experience for generations to come.

A Dream Years in the Making

For head coach Lisa Cellucci, turning dirt at Grant Field was the realization of a goal pursued over more than a decade of leadership.

"This day has been a long time coming. We’ve been working toward a dedicated home for Iowa Field Hockey for nearly 12 years," Cellucci said during the ceremony. "At times, it’s felt like pushing a boulder up a very steep hill. There were moments when the path forward was not clear, but I never stopped believing in why this mattered."

Cellucci reflected on the lasting inspiration of former Iowa women’s athletic director and pioneer Dr. Christine Grant, for whom the field is named.

"Throughout those years, I often thought about Dr. Grant. At the end of nearly every interaction I had with her, she would hug me and offer the same simple reminder: 'Keep persisting, Lisa.' Her entire life modeled the persistence required to fight for what was right and what women deserved. That makes today especially meaningful. Our new home will stand beside Grant Field... allowing us to honor the remarkable women who built Iowa Field Hockey while providing the next generation of Hawkeyes with everything they need to carry the legacy forward." 

Transforming the Student-Athlete Experience

For current Hawkeyes, the new facility provides the essential gift of time and connection.

Fourth-year student-athlete Gia Whalen addressed those in attendance, highlighting what the new operations center will mean for the day-to-day routine of the team.

"I came to Iowa because I wanted to compete at the highest level and be part of a great and historic program," Whalen shared. "While we have an excellent playing field, we have not had a true place to call home for our program. This new home will give us a dedicated place to train and prepare. It will give us more resources to take care of ourselves and perform at our individual and collective best... and just as importantly, it will give our team a place to spend time together, to build relationships, and develop that connection that makes our team successful."

 Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, emphasized the holistic impact the new center will have on student-athletes during their time in Iowa City and beyond.

 "Today, the groundbreaking is more than just about a new building," Goetz said. "It's our opportunity to celebrate a realization of a long-time dream. Soon, our student-athletes will have a facility adjacent to Grant Field that is truly going to match the incredible history and success of this program. They’re going to spend countless hours here focused on their studies, receiving treatment, fueling their bodies through nutrition, preparing for competition, and growing together as a team."

Built on Generosity and Persistence

The construction of the operations center was made possible through widespread private support, led by significant leadership gifts from alumni and dedicated donors, including key contributions from Margo and Ed Monser.

"Buildings do not win championships; people do," Cellucci said, thanking the donors and university administration. "But an environment like this allows exceptional people to become even better. It tells our current players that their experience matters, it shows future Hawkeyes what we believe is possible, and it gives our coaches and staff tools to continue building a program capable of competing at the highest level."

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall with the Hawkeyes expecting to open the doors to their new facility prior to next season. 

The Iowa field hockey team open the 2026 season on Aug. 28, at Wake Forest in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.