Field Hockey
- Title:
- Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Specialist
- Email:
- fhcoach@indiana.edu
- Phone:
- 812-855-4016
In 2015, Halus’ first season with the Hoosiers, the Indiana goalkeeping corps developed into one of the best groups in the Big Ten conference. The tandem of Katie Johnson and Noëlle Rother combined to anchor one of the top defensive units in the conference, recording three shutouts and allowing just one goal in their final four Big Ten games.
Starting in all 19 games as a true freshman, Rother quickly transformed into a key part of the Hoosiers’ success in 2015. The Hamburg, Germany native recorded 114 saves (3rd – IU history) with a save percentage of .770 (4th – IU history) and a goals against average of 1.81 on 269 shots faced. Rother played her most noteworthy game of the season at Maryland, where she recorded 16 saves (T-2nd in IU history) and held the sixth-ranked Terrapins scoreless for the entirety of regulation.
Rother’s outstanding effort on the turf yielded a selection to the All-Big Ten second team and an All-NFHCA West Region second team honor, in addition to three Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award.
Indiana head coach Amanda Janney announced the hiring of assistant coach and goalkeeper specialist Ayla Halus on April 2, 2015.
Halus came to Indiana after decorated playing career in the Big Ten. The Hershey, Pennsylvania native served as goalkeeper for Penn State, redshirting in 2008 and playing from 2009-12. Halus started 66 games in the net and recorded 19 career shutouts.
"Since I was an athlete in the Big Ten, I'm just really excited to be coaching in the Big Ten," said Halus upon her appointment. "To be a fresh Division I coach in the Big Ten is an honor with high expectations and I'm really looking forward to it."
For her excellence on the field, Halus was twice named NFHCA First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team NFHCA All-American. Halus was recognized for her academic success with Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Academic All-Big Ten and NFHCA Academic Squad honors.
Connect with the Indiana field hockey coaches and players on Twitter -> @HoosiersFH.
