When it comes to recruiting players for Division I college sports, many programs look to the local high schools or regional talent. But for sports like field hockey, especially at the University of Iowa, the search extends farther and often to other countries.

Iowa’s field hockey team this season reflects that global reach. Half of the roster hails beyond the U.S., with players representing Australia, England, Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The key for acquiring this talent starts with having good contacts overseas. That process starts with Iowa associate head coach Michael Boal.

Born in Sunderland, England, Boal coached at three schools in the United Kingdom before crossing the Atlantic for a job at the University of Virginia. He knows firsthand what it feels like to leave your home for a chance to pursue what you love.

“Michael has so many great contacts all over Europe. We go to many different tournaments and clubs,” head coach Lisa Cellucci said.

But talent alone isn’t enough. For the Iowa coaching staff, each student-athlete needs to display the same set of characteristics.

“It is important to make sure our contacts know what we are looking for in student athletes,” Cellucci said. “First and foremost: high character people, people who want to be in a high-performance environment, and  their skill level from versatility, athleticism, to their fitness.”

This international emphasis isn’t unique to Iowa. Across DI it’s not uncommon to see teams consist of mostly international players.

While field hockey is mainly a women’s sport in the U.S. starting in high school, the sport is much more ingrained abroad. England formalized the modern game in the late 19th century. Today, both men and women compete in the sport throughout Europe.

“The international players have been playing since they were 3 or 4 years old,” Cellucci said. “Our golf and tennis clubs here in the U.S. are like field hockey clubs overseas, allowing their skills to be much higher than those here in America.”

But choosing the athlete is one thing. Having the athlete accept those invites is another. To many of the student athletes on the current field hockey team, Iowa felt more familiar than foreign.

“When I got here on my initial visit, it felt like a second family to me,” said third-year Dionne van Aalsum, who is originally from Castricum, Netherlands. “Being so far away from home, it was important for me that it felt like home, and it felt safe. The team that was here at the time gave me that feeling as well as the coaches and the community.”

First-year Felicia Zonnenberg, from Geertruidenberg, Netherlands, echoed that sentiment.

“The town is really connected with the university, giving off a great vibe and culture that spread across multiple nationalities, allowing you to not only relate with people who also are far from home but meet new people, backgrounds, and cultures,” she said.

For Iowa, the international presence on the team is more than a recruiting strategy. It is a reflection of the program’s values and culture.

By embracing diversity, prioritizing character, and fostering a sense of belonging, the Hawkeyes’ field hockey team has developed a strong program that welcomes international talent.

For these athletes, Iowa City isn’t just a place to play the game they love, it is a place to grow, connect, and call home.