A glimpse into Lexie Haig's field hockey journey
Lexie Haig, a third‑year midfielder for the Iowa Hawkeyes field hockey team, has become a familiar name among Hawkeye fans for her tenacity and skill on the turf.
Her athletic roots trace back to a twelve‑year stint at a specialized school where she first encountered the sport, a period she recalls with a mix of curiosity and youthful uncertainty.
The highlight of her collegiate experience came last season when Iowa edged Ohio State in the Big Ten semifinals; although the match was not a high‑scoring affair, the victory remains her most cherished memory as a Hawkeye.
Off the field, Haig credits her parents — both avid sports enthusiasts — for fostering an environment that encouraged her to explore athletics for the love of the game rather than external pressure.
While tennis once dominated her sporting interests, she now enjoys watching football and soccer, particularly the fierce rivalries of Liverpool and Newcastle, which she follows with a fan’s enthusiasm.
A quirky superstition accompanies her routine: she touches the playing surface three times with her stick before each session, a habit she adopted around age eleven or twelve.
Balancing a demanding academic schedule with rigorous training is the most formidable challenge she faces as a student‑athlete, requiring meticulous time management and relentless focus.
When asked about role models, Haig points to Rafael Nadal as a childhood inspiration, though she admits her hockey influences are more eclectic, drawing admiration from a blend of athletes rather than a single figure.
Looking ahead
As graduation approaches, Haig is exploring post‑collegiate opportunities that blend her passion for sport with her academic pursuits, aiming to carve a path that honors both.