The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team kicked off their season with a resounding 110-55 exhibition victory over Missouri Western State on Wednesday. Despite a new head coach and a roster filled with fresh faces, the Hawkeyes showcased a level of talent and potential that has fans eagerly anticipating the season ahead.

Unlocking the Potential of Iowa's Rising Stars

Teagan Mallegni: A Versatile Freshman Poised for Stardom

The true freshman from Wisconsin, Teagan Mallegni, wasted no time in making her mark on the court. Ranked 64th in her recruiting class by ESPN, Mallegni proved that she was undervalued on the national stage. Her performance was reminiscent of former Iowa wing McKenna Warnock, as she showcased her versatility on both ends of the floor. Mallegni's 6-foot-1 frame allowed her to guard any position from one through four, and she made sound decisions with the basketball. Her confidence was on full display when she crossed over a defender and knocked down a step-back three-pointer from the top of the key. Finishing the night with 18 points, three assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block, Mallegni's early returns suggest she could be a crucial foundational piece for the Hawkeyes in the Jan Jensen era.

Lucy Olsen: Crafting a Unique Identity Alongside Caitlin Clark

While there's no perfect replacement for the dynamic Caitlin Clark, Lucy Olsen is poised to be a critical part of the Hawkeye team this season. Olsen's creativity and decision-making immediately stand out, as she demonstrated the ability to get to her spots and make great plays. She hit a pair of mid-range jumpers and got to the hoop on numerous occasions, showcasing her all-around game. Olsen also displayed her passing prowess, dishing out six assists to go along with six rebounds. One area of focus for Olsen this offseason has been her three-point shooting, and while she only went 1-of-5 from distance, expect her to be more aggressive taking threes off screens. Olsen may not be the next Caitlin Clark, but her craftsmanship and skill set should complement the likes of Hannah Stuelke, Sydney Affolter, and the style of play that Jensen wants to implement.

Kylie Feuerbach: Rediscovering Confidence and Unlocking Potential

One of the key questions heading into the season was the role that senior Kylie Feuerbach would play. On Wednesday night, she was thrust into the starting lineup and delivered an impressive performance. Feuerbach was active on defense, showcasing her skills as one of the best perimeter players on the team. Equally important, she played with a renewed sense of confidence, appearing more free and unlocking her full potential. Finishing the game with 14 points and seven rebounds, Feuerbach's resurgence is a positive sign for the Hawkeyes. While the talented freshman class may challenge her playing time, it could also bring out the best in Feuerbach, as Jensen noted, "That's what Kylie can be capable of. She's one of our best defenders, if not the best. And then she puts a consistent three-ball with it."

Ava Heiden: A Tantalizing Glimpse of the Future

Despite not starting due to illness, the 6-foot-4 post player from Oregon, Ava Heiden, made the most of her 13 minutes on the court. Heiden's skill set and potential were on full display, as she showcased her ability to run the floor, hit the mid-range shot, and impact the game in various ways. Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon drew comparisons between Heiden's floor-running abilities and those of former Hawkeye great Megan Gustafson, a testament to Heiden's impressive athleticism and basketball IQ. Heiden's game complements the style of play that Stuelke will bring to the table, and with Jensen's renowned post development skills, the future looks bright for the young center. It wouldn't be surprising to see Heiden earn a starting role as early as next Wednesday, as the Hawkeyes look to capitalize on her immense potential.