Even though she started her Hawkeye career in the shadow of Addie Deal and Layla Hays, Journey Houston quickly became one of Jan Jensen's most important role players in her first year as a Hawkeye.
Deal got all the headlines thanks to her five-star status and position as the highest recruit in Iowa history, just behind the GOAT Caitlin Clark, and Houston was mostly an afterthought. Diehard Hawkeye fans knew she had the talent to make an impact, but no one knew it would happen so quickly.
While all three talented freshmen went through growing pains, Houston was the most consistent, and now she is putting in the work to reach another level in year two.
Houston is putting in the work to continue the momentum from year 1
With Deal now in Madison with the Wisconsin Badgers and the roster looking completely different from last season, Houston has the chance to be an even bigger contributor next season. Houston endeared herself to Hawkeye fans last season, but she isn't content on waiting for an expanded role to come her way.
She is putting in the work to make sure it happens.
The best ! https://t.co/wId8gJp1i6
— Journey Houston (@Journey_Renae) May 23, 2026
Houston has been heavily focused on her shooting in the offseason, adding another element to her game. She spent a lot of time in the post last season thanks to Iowa's lack of post depth, and she took full advantage of her opportunity.
She established herself as a player who is willing to make all the gritty plays and became a solid rebounder alongside Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden.
Houston could easily be thrust into a similar role after Jensen brought in more guards to round out the roster, but she is showing that she can extend her range outside the paint and even past the three-point line.
Houston is poised to take an Ava Heiden-like jump next season
Everyone inside and around the Iowa program remembers how big a leap Ava Heiden took from her freshman to sophomore seasons, and while the paths are different, Houston could easily be the next player to make the leap.
Heiden played sparingly during the beginning stages of her career, but by the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments in 2024-2025, Jensen couldn't take her out of the lineup. If Houston continues putting in the work, she could easily force Jensen's hand.
Houston's versatility to play on the perimeter and down low is a huge asset for the program, and with multiple spots open after the massive roster turnover, it wouldn't be a surprise if Houston fights her way into the starting lineup.
The starting rotation is by no means set, but the projected first five are Chit-Chat Wright, Dani Carnegie, Taylor Stremlow, McKenna Woliczko, and Ava Heiden. Houston is more of a natural small forward than Stremlow, and Stremlow could easily be moved to the bench in order to give Jensen more reserve scoring.
Houston is already a stellar rebounder, and her work ethic is top-notch. If she combines that with a more consistent outside shot, she has all the potential to make a massive second-year leap.
It is amazing to see Houston not resting on her laurels and putting in the work behind closed doors, and hopefully, for her and the program, it helps her earn an expanded role.
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