The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Q&A | Iowa field hockey goaltender Mia Magnotta discusses favorites movies, food, and travel

The second-year spoke on her mother’s cooking, second-favorite sport, and more.
Iowa+goalkeeper+Mia+Magnotta+directs+teammates+during+a+field+hockey+exhibition+match+between+Iowa+and+Northwestern+at+Grant+Field+in+Iowa+City+on+Saturday%2C+Aug.+19%2C+2023.+The+Hawkeyes+defeated+the+Wildcats%2C+3-1.
Cody Blissett
Iowa goalkeeper Mia Magnotta directs teammates during a field hockey exhibition match between Iowa and Northwestern at Grant Field in Iowa City on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Wildcats, 3-1.

The Daily Iowan: Beside field hockey, which sport do you consider your favorite?

Mia Magnotta: I grew up playing basketball with my family and played a lot of pickup games growing up, so I would have to say basketball.

Who’s an athlete who inspires you?

I feel like as a woman in sports, [when I was] growing up I always looked up to Serena Williams. I think she’s done a lot of cool things for women’s sports in general. She’s a powerhouse, and I think she’s really empowering.

If you won the lottery today, what would you do with the money?

I would probably go on a trip after the season with all of my teammates to somewhere warm and tropical.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?

I think I’d go maybe to Italy. [I would] just travel over there. There’s a lot of good food and a lot of cool things to see.

What is your favorite food?

Definitely pasta. Any sort of pasta. My mom cooked a lot [when I was] growing up, so I think it’s just nostalgic.

What is your favorite movie and why?

“Mamma Mia.” I don’t think I need to explain that one.

What’s your favorite thing to do here in Iowa City?

My favorite thing to do is go to other sporting events with my teammates and just enjoy being a Hawkeye.

Are you a dog or a cat person?

It’s a tough decision, but I would have to say I’m a dog person.

What do you like to do in your alone time?

Go on walks and listen to podcasts or music.

Who is your favorite music artist?

My favorite is Chris Stapleton.

What was your favorite thing to do back in Pennsylvania?

Probably eating home-cooked meals with my family.

Do you have a favorite home-cooked meal? 

My favorite is chicken cutlets and pasta with red sauce.

What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Iowa so far? Why?

My favorite class that I’ve taken at Iowa so far is Learners II because the professors are super personable and care a lot about their students.

What advice would you give to other student-athletes?

Try your best to keep a balanced lifestyle.

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About the Contributors
Brad Schultz
Brad Schultz, Sports Reporter
(he/him/his)
Brad Schultz is a sophomore at the University of Iowa majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Sports Studies. This is first year working as a sports reporter and he has a deep passion and love for sports. Outside of the Daily Iowan, Brad is a contributor for Saturday Blitz, a college football site, with his content primarily covering Iowa and the Big Ten.
Cody Blissett
Cody Blissett, Visuals Editor
he/him/his
Cody Blissett is a visual editor at The Daily Iowan. He is a third year student at the University of Iowa studying cinema and screenwriting. This is his first year working for The Daily Iowan.