Even though it was not her final game in Carver-Hawkey Arena, senior Hannah Stuelke was emotional on Senior Day.
The Hawkeyes had a challenging early-afternoon contest against No. 6 Michigan, one of the best defensive teams in women's college basketball.
Iowa rose to the occasion and then some in front of sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena, knocking off the Wolverines 62-44 in a gritty win.
The Hawkeyes put on a defensive clinic, holding Michigan to its lowest point total of the season, and they shined on Senior Day.
Stuelke has been one of those senior leaders all year for the Hawkeyes, and she was visibly emotional when she was subbed out late in the game.
Stuelke was emotional when reflecting on her career at Iowa
Postgame, Stuelke was still visibly emotional as she discussed her time in the black and gold, but summed up her career in three simple words: "It's been special."
In a portion of her postgame media interviews (posted by "Hawk Central"), Stuelke said that she has gone through a lot in her four years and noted that it has been very special.
She also said that a lot of it was thanks to playing in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
From Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to playing with Caitlin Clark, to becoming a senior leader, Stuelke has been through it all, and she has worn the Hawkeye uniform with pride.
It has not always been easy for Hannah, who has had to take a backseat to other Hawkeye stars along the way, but she has always contributed with a smile on her face.
As her time in Iowa City dwindles, no one can say that Hannah Stuelke didn't try her best during every moment she was on the floor and has made fans proud.