The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team is embarking on a new chapter, bidding farewell to their recent back-to-back Final Four and national championship game appearances. With a fresh start under first-year head coach Jan Jensen and the addition of Villanova transfer point guard Lucy Olsen, the Hawkeyes are poised to unveil a revitalized squad that aims to build upon their past successes.

Unlocking the Hawkeyes' Untapped Potential

Stuelke's Ascent to Stardom

Junior forward Hannah Stuelke has blossomed into a true force to be reckoned with. After playing a supporting role in her freshman season, Stuelke emerged as Iowa's second-leading scorer last year. Now, she appears primed to take center stage, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. In the Hawkeyes' recent exhibition victory over Missouri Western, Stuelke showcased her ability to create off the dribble, score from the elbow, and finish strong inside. Her comfort and confidence in shouldering the spotlight bodes well for Iowa's success this season.

Olsen's Seamless Integration

The addition of Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen has generated significant excitement within the Hawkeye faithful. Olsen, the nation's third-leading scorer last season, has already demonstrated her ability to orchestrate Iowa's offense and develop a rapport with Stuelke. While her shooting touch may have been a bit off in the exhibition game, Olsen's versatility and defensive presence will undoubtedly make her a valuable asset for the Hawkeyes. As she continues to acclimate to her new surroundings, Olsen's offensive production is expected to reach new heights.

Feuerbach and McCabe's Starring Roles

Senior guard Kylie Feuerbach and junior guard Taylor McCabe have been identified as key contributors who will be called upon to provide a perimeter scoring punch for the Hawkeyes. In the exhibition victory, both players showcased their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, with Feuerbach connecting on 3-of-5 attempts and McCabe draining 2-of-5. Their combined efforts on the glass and in facilitating the offense will be crucial in supporting Stuelke and Olsen's offensive exploits.

Embracing a Bigger Approach

Under the guidance of new head coach Jan Jensen, the Hawkeyes may be poised to adopt a more traditional two-post lineup. The exhibition game provided a glimpse of this potential shift, with senior center Addison O'Grady, freshman center Ava Heiden, and senior forward AJ Ediger all seeing significant playing time. As the Hawkeyes continue to develop their frontcourt depth, this strategic adjustment could unlock new dimensions to their offensive and defensive schemes.

Freshman Firepower

Iowa's highly touted freshman class has already made an immediate impact, showcasing their potential to contribute at the collegiate level. Freshman guard Teagan Mallegni led the team in scoring with 18 points, while fellow freshman Taylor Stremlow was the Hawkeyes' leading rebounder. Ava Heiden, the athletic freshman center, also flashed her promise with a solid 10-point, 4-rebound performance. The infusion of young talent promises to add depth and versatility to the Hawkeyes' roster, complementing the experienced core of Stuelke, Olsen, Feuerbach, and McCabe.As the Iowa Hawkeyes embark on this new era, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the team are palpable. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Hawkeyes are poised to write a new chapter in their storied history, one that could very well lead them back to the pinnacle of women's college basketball.