Here’s a bold statement: Iowa women’s basketball is embracing patience in an era where instant results are expected. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the Hawkeyes boast their youngest roster since 2012, head coach Jan Jensen believes their newfound height advantage will force opponents to rethink their strategies. Is this a recipe for success, or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Fresh off an NCAA Tournament win last season, the Hawkeyes are doubling down on a methodical approach under Jensen, now in her second year at the helm. During the 2025 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Day in Rosemont, Illinois, Jensen—the 2025 Spalding Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year—emphasized the importance of not rushing progress. With more than half of her roster comprised of underclassmen, she’s keenly aware of the learning curve ahead.
And this is the part most people miss—despite the hype surrounding Iowa’s sold-out season tickets for the third consecutive year, Jensen remains grounded. ‘On paper, it looks exciting—a deep, versatile team,’ she admitted. ‘But anyone who coaches or teaches knows you can’t skip steps.’ This philosophy is her North Star, even as the team navigates the post-Caitlin Clark era.
Jensen acknowledges the challenges of today’s college basketball landscape, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and revenue sharing often prioritize individual success over team culture. ‘Players come in with their own goals,’ she noted. ‘It’s a new era, and while we’re managing it well, it’s not without its hurdles.’ Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can a team truly thrive when relationships feel more transactional than transformative?
Player movement is another inevitability in the transfer portal age. Guard Aaliyah Guyton’s departure to Illinois contrasts with the arrival of Chazadi ‘Chit Chat’ Wright from Georgia Tech. Jensen’s predecessor, Lisa Bluder, once likened playing time to dividing 200 minutes among five players. Jensen humorously quipped she’d prefer 89,000. ‘Every player values their minutes,’ she said. ‘But with such depth, it’s impossible to play everyone. Critics will say we’re not utilizing our roster, but that’s the reality.’
Iowa’s newcomers bring diverse backgrounds to the table. Five-star recruit Addie Deal hails from Irvine, California, while center Layla Hays dominated as Alaska’s top player in the class of 2025. Journey Houston, a local standout from Davenport, Iowa, brings a high school résumé of over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Yet, Jensen reminds us that these first-years only know the Hawkeyes from TV. The grind behind the glamour? That’s a lesson they’re still learning.
‘It’s a wake-up call,’ Jensen said. ‘They’re realizing, ‘Wait, we have to work this hard?’ Yes. We’ll probably repeat drills 6,000 times before the season starts.’ Veterans like Hannah Stuelke and Kylie Feuerbach understand the standard, but Jensen’s challenge is to keep that bar high, no matter the obstacles.
When the Hawkeyes unveil their full playbook, expect a fast-paced style with an ‘added luxury’—size. With players like the 6-foot-5 Hays, 6-foot-4 Ava Heiden, and 6-foot-2 Stuelke, Iowa aims to dictate the game, not just react to it. ‘Our height will force opponents to adjust,’ Jensen explained. Assistant coach Abby Stamp added, ‘With Hannah and Ava running the floor, we’ll capitalize on early, high-percentage shots while dominating the defensive glass.’
Heiden, who emerged as a scoring threat late last season, is poised for a breakout year. Her unselfish teammates, like Wright and Deal, make her job easier. ‘They find me when I’m running,’ she joked. ‘I’m like, ‘Please give me the ball—I don’t want to run anymore!’ They’re coachable, fun, and genuinely happy people. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.’
Iowa’s 2025-26 campaign tips off with an Oct. 30 exhibition against Division II Ashland University at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. But here’s the real question: Can a young, tall, and talented Hawkeyes squad defy expectations in a competitive Big Ten? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
