When it comes to the Iowa field hockey program, fans will note the goals, the fresh young talent, or head coach Lisa Cellucci. But from the multiple new players on the roster, one player is slowly working under the radar.
First-year Niamh de Jong has yet to score a goal this season but has the fourth most minutes played on the team. Her recruitment was a last-minute addition for the Hawkeyes.
De Jong came to Iowa’s attention near the end of their recruiting time frame. After viewing her film clips, Cellucci and the coaching staff quickly tried to reach out to promote Iowa to de Jong, hoping she would decide to come play for the Hawkeyes.
After some chats with associate head coach Michael Boal and Cellucci, de Jong agreed to come and visit the University of Iowa with her father, knowing this could be the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
“I knew I wanted to come to the U.S. and study and play field hockey but didn’t know quite where to go,” de Jong said. “After talking with Michael, I was really intrigued, and after the visit, I decided Iowa was where I wanted to be.”
From the first day of preseason, de Jong started not only getting comfortable with the team and Iowa’s ever-changing weather but also showing the coaching staff what she adds to the team.
“She was very fit, which told us she will have good endurance,” Cellucci said. “She also has played at a really high level, giving her a great tactical understanding, especially as a freshman.”
Such a high level of experience dates back to playing for U18 teams back home in Brisbane, Australia.
She helped her squad win an indoor national championship and was captain on the junior team at the University of Queensland. But playing was one thing to deal with — being far from home was another.
For de Jong and many of the other players, the challenge of playing abroad was a common one. Not one player on the roster is from Iowa and over half are from overseas countries, like de Jong.
“We all like to talk about how everyone grew up and what it is like back home for all of us,” fourth-year Milly Short, who hails from Worcester, England, said. “Sharing our experiences and differences brings us all together as a team and helps cure that homesick mindset.”
Now in the midst of conference play, de Jong is more comfortable and convicted in her role on the team. Cellucci noted her great personality makes her friendly with her teammates.
For de Jong, forming chemistry with her teammates involves precise passing on the field, a goal she’s constantly working toward. She hopes her aerial passing can improve to the level of Short.
“I have great vision over the ball and really try to make sure where my passes are going,” de Jong said.
This season so far has been one the coaching staff as well as de Jong can look back on for her future development. Plentiful minutes on the field featured a few high intensity situations, yet the coaching staff are happy with how de Jong has benefited the team.
“We would like to see her work on her execution under extreme pressure, making sure she executes as cleanly as possible, including seeing her build her strength still this season and over the off-season for next year,” Cellucci said.