To say it is hard to be recruited as a top basketball prospect in Alaska is an understatement. Incoming Iowa freshman Layla Hays knows very well what it means to attempt to catch the eyes of top scouts in "The Last Frontier."
Hays was ranked as Alaska's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, and is a two-time Alaska Player of the Year.
Not many people know the city of Wasilla, where Hays calls home, but she hopes to change that by making an immediate impact on the Iowa program during her first year.
Hays is brimming with confidence, and stated she feels blessed to be a part of the Hawkeye squad.
After a July 22 practice, Hays spoke to the media during an open media availability and discussed her transition from Alaska to Iowa, as well as what she hopes to bring to the squad next season.
During a portion of her availability, she spoke with representatives from 247 Sports, discussing how she is adjusting to life in Iowa City.
Hays noted she does miss her family and Alaska, but the people in Iowa are very nice and similar to the people she knows back home.
Moving across the country has been tough, but Hays stated that everyone has been very supportive, and that began with the Iowa coaching staff.
She can see that the coaches believe in her, and that has helped her quickly acclimate to the program. They want her to do what she does best: dominate in the paint, and they are excited to see what she can do.
Head Coach Jan Jensen raved about Hays' work ethic and considerable potential. Jensen stated that she was always bigger than everyone else and easily overpowered them.
Jensen and the coaching staff love her physicality, and want to hone her skills in the paint. A large part of her development in that area has come from going against Ava Heiden in practice.
Hays stated Ava has been amazing and has given her so much already. They have tough, physical battles in the paint, but there are no hard feelings after.
With Hays (six-foot-five), the Hawkeyes have more size on the roster, and Jensen has stated they will use the size to their advantage, employing a two-big lineup.
As Hays continues to develop, she gives the Hawkeyes another dominating post presence who can score and rebound effectively down low.