The Iowa Women's Basketball squad will have more size than they have had in past seasons, and Head Coach Jan Jensen wants to use it.
Jensen is an advocate of solid post play, which contrasts with the shift towards shooting more three-point field goals, and is excited to employ a bigger lineup this season.
A big part of Jensen's plan this season (pun definitely intended) is center Ava Heiden.
It took a while for Heiden to crack the rotation last season while she was figuring everything out as a freshman, but after the Christmas break, she became a fixture for the Hawkeyes off the bench.
This season, Heiden is poised for a bigger role and could even be in the starting lineup when the season begins. Before the start of the season, Heiden spoke to the media during the 2025 Media Days in Iowa City.
During a portion of her media day availability (posted by "The Hawkeye Report"), Heiden discussed her confidence level going into the season.
Heiden mentioned that last season, she did not have a clicking "I got it" moment because she was still only a freshman. If she figured one thing out, there were multiple other things she needed to figure out.
She did mention that her confidence level is much higher going into this season because she has had more good games under her belt.
Heiden also stated that she is "more secure" in herself, and knows what she can and needs to do.
She also reiterated that patience will be key for the squad this season, and everyone adjusts to the learning curve.
If Heiden can take another step forward this season, the Hawkeyes will be tough to stop in the paint and on the glass.