The Player Perspective
Hear from our student-athletes on what it's like to be a Hawkeye
Kellen Fife on Academics
How is it balancing soccer and school at the University of Iowa?
“In the shift from high school to college I was nervous about the difficulty of college classes as well as having to balance them with my busy soccer schedule. I learned very quickly that it was a manageable task as long as I was putting the required work in for each of my classes. Everyone is different but for me personally that meant doing all of my homework and studying at our athletic learning center so I could focus and be productive, using a daily planner to keep track of all of my assignments and exams, using the resources we have available to us such as tutoring for any class you want extra help with, and weekly meetings with our teams academic advisor. My biggest piece of advice for academic success is meeting with your professors throughout the semester and creating a daily schedule in order to stay on top of your work.”
Sam Cary on Team Culture
What is our team culture like?
“Our team culture is one of love and accountability. We are a family and appreciate every single member in it. We hold each other to the highest standard and will always be there for each other when they need it. We are committed to each other and our goals as a family.”
Addie Bundy on Coaching Staff
What are the coaches like on and off the field?
“The Iowa coaching staff are some of the most supportive and helpful people in the program. They are always there to help you learn more about how to progress your skills on the field. The staff also pays close attention to personal development. At the end of the day they want to send off a better person in the world and they always lend a helping hand in doing so. They all show their devotion to the program through their intense coaching styles and desire to get better everyday.”
Hailey Rydberg on Development
How does Iowa help you develop as a player and a person?
“Through functional training, 1:1 film sessions, and personalized weight/conditioning packets, the coaching staff at Iowa understands the importance of individualized training. In the process of becoming a better player, Iowa helps you become a better person by teaching you responsibility and discipline. Through team bonding and leadership exercises, the program teaches you vulnerability and pushes you out of your comfort zone. By the end of your 4 years at Iowa not only will you see improvements on the field, but you will feel they have helped you become a better version of yourself.”
Kenzie Roling on a Day in the Life
What is a day-in-the-life like for an Iowa Soccer Student-Athlete?
“The daily life as a soccer player on the team is busy, yet super fun and organized. Every morning, you get your practice, workout, and film in before 11:00, which is of course, a great way to start the day. Then, depending on the times you chose, you get to go to a few classes on campus or online. Lastly, you get the rest of your time to chill, relax, study, wind down, and hang out with friends and teammates. It’s the ideal schedule to get the full college-athlete experience and I wouldn’t want it any other way- We are so blessed to have flexibility with our time and classes!”
Macy Enneking on the B1G Conference
What is it like to be a student-athlete in the Big Ten?
“I think being a student athlete within the Big Ten is a huge accomplishment that comes with being apart of one of the most competitive and demanding conferences in the NCAA. The rivalries and competition as well as the fans and support are something that every athlete dreams of playing for and being a part of. It’s pretty cool to be able to say you’re a B1G athlete and you feel like you’re apart of something bigger when you step onto campus.Even though you are competing against eachother, the B1G soccer community is a talented and professional group of individuals who respect each other and the game.”