FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Kara Zappone has accepted a position as assistant field hockey coach at Fairfield University beginning with the 2007 season. The announcement was made by Head Coach Jackie Kane on Friday afternoon.

Zappone begins her first season as a collegiate coach after spending the last four years as a member of the University of Iowa field hockey team. She was the team's captain last season, and led the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten Tournament championship and berth to the NCAA tournament. In her freshman season, Iowa won the Big Ten regular season title and advanced to the NCAA tourney as well.

She also captured several honors during her four-year stay in Iowa City, including the team's practice player of the year in 2005. Zappone was the Hawkeyes' nominee for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2005, 2006, and 2007. She captured the Sportsmanship Award in 2007. In the classroom, Zappone earned a spot on the Academic Dean's List in 2006.

Zappone graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Health and Sports Studies with an exercise science concentration.

The Fairfield University field hockey team finished the 2006 campaign with a 6-13 overall record and a 4-4 mark in the Northeast Conference. The Stags will make the transition to America East this season. Fairfield opens the season on August 25 at Virginia Commonwealth, the first of three straight road games. The team's first home game takes place on September 1 against Saint Joseph's.