Iowa Women's Basketball Head Coach Jan Jensen has had a busy offseason on the recruiting trail, scouting, and preparing the squad for next season during summer practices and workouts.
The expectations for Jensen's squad are sky-high following a successful first season, and the player additions they made during the offseason.
Jensen is embracing those expectations, and hopes to improve on a successful rookie head coaching campaign.
After a July 22 practice, Jensen spoke to the media regarding the status of her team and how summer workouts were progressing.
During a portion of the interview posted by 247 Sports, Jensen discussed Hannah Stuelke's time with Team USA, her importance to the squad for the upcoming season, and how her five new players are integrating with the team.
Stuelke's time with Team USA
Jensen spoke at length about Hannah Stuelke and discussed the importance of her participation in the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup with Team USA. She stated that Stuelke is behind for Iowa, but it was more important to play for Team USA.
Jensen stated that Hannah was nervous about trying out for Team USA when she initially received the invitation. It took some prodding, but Stuelke ultimately decided it was better to participate.
After first-day jitters, Stuelke impressed the Team USA coaching staff and Jensen noted she was told there was no way they were not going to pick her.
Stuelke's time with Team USA gave her the opportunity to play against the best in the world, and following a solid tournament, she gained more confidence.
Stuelke's importance to the Iowa squad
Stuelke rejoined the Iowa squad after helping Team USA win the gold medal in Chile, and Jensen could not stop raving about her senior forward.
After her time with Team USA, Jensen noted that Stuelke looks much more confident then she did last season.
Jensen has always tried to get Hannah out of her comfort zone and become more of a vocal leader, and she feels her time in South America will help that.
With Hannah back in the fold, Jensen wants her to get more consistent shooting from 15 feet and in, and become more of a consistent passer.
She mentioned that Hannah missed most of last summer with a knee injury and was forced to play out of her comfort zone at the five because they did not have the size they have this season.
Jensen knows Stuelke has star potential, and has gone "beast mode" in the past, but she wants her to do it more consistently.
How the newcomers are fitting in
The first thing Jensen stated when asked about the incoming freshman class and transfers Emely Rodriguez and Chazadi "Chit-Chat" Wright is that she "loves this group."
She noted that collectively, they are very talented and great people. They are melding quickly, and have understood the mission of implementing "Iowa culture."
Jensen also stated that the fans are pumped to get to know the new Hawkeyes.
Jensen is also happy with how incoming freshmen Layla Hays and Addie Deal have performed to this point in the summer. She stated they are really good with so much potential and she is excited to see what they can do.
The expectations are high for Jensen in her second year, but she is excited and prepared for whatever happens next season.