If you haven't figured it out already: Ava Heiden is really good at basketball.
It cannot be overstated how much Heiden has improved from her freshman year last season to her sophomore year this season, and she has easily become Iowa's best player.
Last season, Heiden played sparingly at the beginning of the season before earning more playing time in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
She was a pleasant surprise during the Big Ten Tournament, and even though Iowa did not go as far as they wanted, Heiden was the best player on the floor multiple times.
In 9.8 minutes per game last season, Heiden averaged 5.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
This season, Heiden has started every game for the Hawkeyes and is starting to gain national recognition for her accomplishments.
Heiden was named to the Naismith Women's College Player of the Year Late Season Team
Heiden has taken a massive leap forward this season, averaging career-highs in minutes (25.2), points (16.8), rebounds (7.3), assists (1.7), steals (1.2), blocks (1.1), and field goal percentage (63.6).
After posting another double-double against Nebraska, Heiden earned a nomination to a prestigious late season team.
One of the nation’s best 🤩@ava_heiden x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/GOpAJL3rqv
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) February 17, 2026
Heiden was named to the Naismith Women's College Player of the Year Late Season Team, giving her a great chance of earning one of the highest honors in women's college basketball.
She is leading the team in points per game this season (16.8), and is second on the team in rebounds per game (7.3), behind only Hannah Stuelke (8.8).
In 25 games this season, Heiden has scored in double-figures in every game but three, and has notched six double-doubles.
Heiden's last double-double came against Nebraska on February 16 when she put up 27 points and 11 rebounds in a Hawkeye win.
Iowa goes as Heiden goes, and they will need her to keep dominating in the paint to have continued success for the rest of the season.