Kathleen McGraw keeps building her résumé.
After earning second-team All-Big Ten and all-region honors as a junior, and leading the University of Iowa field hockey team to its 21st NCAA Tournament, McGraw is making a case to be listed among the UI goalkeeping standouts.
The recognition has continued during the offseason: McGraw was selected to the U21 U.S. National Team that will travel to England in April.
"Historically, in our program we have had pretty consistent representation in our national team system," says UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. "With the goalkeeping position, we have had a phenomenal history. We have had All-Americans, Hall of Fame inductees, and Olympians.
"It means the world to our program. She is keeping that lineage really strong within the goalkeeping position."
As a goalkeeper, the selection process is extremely selective, making it that much more difficult to be chosen.
"When you take that opportunity to try out for a team, you are vying for two spots on a squad," Griesbaum says. "You are not one of 16, 18, or 24. It is really impressive. It says a lot about what she does and how she has handled her role as an elite athlete."
"Over the past year, I was able to hone some of my individual skills, but ultimately my teammates were able to put me in position to be successful this season."
—Kathleen McGraw,
UI field hockey goalkeeper
The Atherton, Calif., native was not necessarily considered a “blue chip” recruit.
"She is what our program stands for," Griesbaum says. "We pride ourselves on bringing athletes in who have a big heart and who have the will and desire, and we mold them and have them accomplish all these great things."
For McGraw, the opportunity provides another chance to improve.
"I am honored and excited to represent the Big Ten and Iowa field hockey on a team that is heavily comprised of East Coast players," McGraw says. "Midwest hockey has a ‘blue collar, work hard’ reputation, and I hope to uphold this idea while training with the U21 team."
The two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and team captain gives credit to her Iowa teammates.
"The recognition is merely the icing on the cake," McGraw says. "Iowa field hockey has turned out dozens of standout individual players, but this program is rooted in the idea that team success is far more important than any individual title or award. Over the past year, I was able to hone some of my individual skills, but ultimately my teammates were able to put me in position to be successful this season.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete at a high level and test my skills in a new arena."