Nijziel anchors Iowa field hockey’s defense

The defender from the Netherlands has grown both on and off the field to become a key cog in Iowa’s solid back line.

Ben Palya


Michigan Forward Sarah Pyrtek works to move the ball around Iowa defenders Anthe Nijziel (6) and Harper Dunne (23) during a field hockey game between Iowa and Michigan at Grant Field on Saturday, March 15, 2021. “The Hawkeyes defeated the Wolverines, 2-1, in a shootout.” Jeff Sigmund

This season, Iowa field hockey’s defense has been stellar under seventh-year head coach Lisa Cellucci. Thanks in large part to the efforts of junior defender Anthe Nijziel, Iowa has only surrendered four goals in its first seven games.