Many were unsure how the women's team would respond after Caitlin Clark went to the WNBA and head coach Lisa Bruder left.
However, they had another great season, going 23-11 and making it all the way to the Round of 32 in the Big Dance. Although some key members of the team have left, there is still considerable hope for this team to succeed once again this season.
Here's a preview of the women's basketball team for this upcoming season.
Head Coach: Jan Jensen
After being a long-time assistant, Jan Jensen got her chance to show what she could do as head coach for the Hawkeyes when she took over the job last season.
She proved that she could take a team that lost a lot of talent and still make it a top-tier team in the country. Her ability to recruit and develop All-Americans makes her the perfect person for this job going forward.
In a conference that is as talented as the Big 10 this season, Jensen is certainly going to have her work cut out for her. However, fans and players should trust in her process, as she has proven that she can have success at Iowa.
There's a lot of praise that should be thrown her way, and there is no doubt that she will continue her great run as we advance.
The Starters
Projected Starters:
G: Chazadie Wright (So - Transfer from Georgia Tech; 7.2 ppg, 2.6 apg)
G: Taylor McCabe (Sr; 6.7 ppg, 40.5% 3pt)
G: Kylie Feuerbrach (Sr; 6.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
F: Hannah Stuelke (Sr; 12.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg)
C: Ava Heiden (So; 5.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
The return of Hannah Stuelke should not be overlooked. She was an integral part of the 2024 runner-up team and has been a dominant presence down low every time she touches the floor. She already has the chemistry with Taylor McCabe and Kylie Feuerbrach, and chemistry is essential to a successful team in the Big 10.
Ava Heiden was a reserve for her entire freshman season, but did get the start in the Hawkeyes' exhibition game against Ashland on 10/30. The 6'4 center will be a great compliment to Stuelke down low. With Chazadie Wright coming in from the ACC, she will bring a fresh perspective to this offense that should help them in the future.
This is another balanced Hawkeye offense that fans should look forward to.
Key Reserves
Jensen's ability to recruit came to fruition last offseason when the Hawkeyes got a commitment from Addison Deal. She was a highly recruited high school prospect and ranked 23rd among the Class of 2025 players by ESPN NEXT Rankings.
The freshman took home multiple awards and accomplishments in high school, so there's a lot of hope and excitement to see what she can do this season.
The transfer portal was also key to the rebuild of this Hawkeye team, as they got a solid pickup in Emely Rodriguez from UCF.
She had a solid freshman season last year for the Knights last season, averaging 11.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Having those numbers as a freshman in a power conference is very impressive, and she will make for a great spark off the bench.
The Hawkeyes even went way up north and secured the top-rated recruit in the state of Alaska, Layla Hays. The 6'5 center had quite the career in high school and is expected to be a part of the post rotation this season.
Final thoughts
The Hawkeyes open up the regular season on Monday, November 3, against Southern. There will be a breakdown of that game, as well as all the Hawkeye games, right here. This Hawkeye team is shaped to be another great one for fans everywhere to enjoy.
The expectations are high and hopeful to see this team make a distant postseason run this season.