After a torrid start to the 2025-2026 season, including an eight-game winning streak, Iowa Women's Basketball has come crashing back to earth.
Iowa has now lost three-consecutive games as the slide continues.
After dropping two games on the road to USC and No. 2 UCLA, Iowa returned home, and it did not go much better.
The Hawkeyes failed to get back on track against a pesky Minnesota Golden Gophers squad and are now trying to right the ship before a pivotal stretch of games.
Even though Iowa is in the midst of a three-game skid, one player has been consistent for most of the season: Ava Heiden.
Ava Heiden was named a top-10 finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award
Heiden has been Iowa's best player so far this season, and she is now being recognized for her achievements.
B1G Time 😎
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) February 6, 2026
Ava Heiden has been named to the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Top 10! pic.twitter.com/576EFIqUOF
Heiden has been a dominating force for the Hawkeyes in the paint this season, and when she stays out of foul trouble, she is Iowa's best offensive player.
Through Iowa's 23 games this season, Heiden is averaging a team-leading 16.7 points per game along with 7.3 rebounds per game.
Her averages have exponentially grown from last season, especially her points and rebounds per game going from 5.0 points and 2.6 rebound per game.
Heiden is the perfect center for Jan Jensen's system with her ability to run the floor and dominate in the paint.
Even though Iowa is on a three-game skid, Heiden has been one of Iowa's most consistent players all season and has a chance to earn another prestigious award.