Coldwater senior Izzy Zahn, seated center, will attend the University of Iowa and compete on the track and field team. Seated with Izzy are her parents Bob and Nicci Zahn. Standing are grandfather Richard Zahn, brother Nico Zahn and sister Sophia Zahn.
COLDWATER - The key words that Izzy Zahn used to describe the University of Iowa were "nice and sweet."
Coldwater's multi-time state track and field champion will head to Iowa City and compete for the Hawkeyes next season after signing her national letter of intent on Wednesday in the Commons at Coldwater High School.
"Everyone was so nice and sweet," said Zahn, who will major in radiology. "It's such a diverse culture, and I love that. All the coaches and girls were so sweet. I knew it was home." The Hawkeyes wrapped up the indoor season by finishing fourth at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Iowa. Last spring, Iowa finished seventh in the outdoor championships in Ann Arbor.
"The facilities are amazing and awesome," said Zahn. "The athletes, team members and coaches are sweet."
The official signing now allows Zahn to focus on her senior season for the Cavaliers.
"It was definitely a stressful process," said Zahn. "I'm glad that's over."
Zahn had a dominating season in 2024 after a sophomore season where she won the Division III 200-meter dash and earned All-Ohio podium finishes in the 4x400 relay (second), 100 dash (fifth) and long jump (sixth).
In 2024, Zahn defended her Division III 200 dash title by setting a new Division III state meet record with a time of 24.06 seconds, added gold medals in the long jump and as part of the 4x400 relay and finished sixth in the 100 dash to help Coldwater finish as state runner-up as she contributed to all 33 points (10 points for each win, three points for sixth). Zahn has earned 10 podium finishes at the state meet in her career.
"My mindset (this season) is praying with my mom and trusting in God and in myself with my ability," said Zahn. "That's got me where it got me today."