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Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruiting
Iowa women’s basketball recruiting is thriving, with stars like Addie Deal and Kate Harpring drawn to Iowa City. Explore the strategies fueling this rise.
Key Takeaways:
- Iowa has evolved into a national recruiting force, securing talents like Addie Deal from California.
- Caitlin Clark’s legacy fuels Iowa’s appeal, packing arenas and inspiring prospects.
- Coaches Jan Jensen and Ben McCollum craft a strategic vision for elite recruits.
- The All-Iowa Attack AAU program anchors Iowa’s success with homegrown stars.
- Competition and injuries pose challenges, but Iowa’s momentum remains strong.
On a crisp February evening in 2025, Kate Harpring stood courtside at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, watching Caitlin Clark’s jersey rise to the rafters. The roar of 15,000 fans wasn’t just a tribute, it was a promise of what Iowa could offer a star like her. Once a Midwest underdog, Iowa women’s basketball now commands the national stage, landing five-star recruits and battling blue-blood programs. This is the story of Iowa’s recruiting renaissance for 2025 and 2026, the players shaping it, and the hurdles they face.
Iowa’s Recruiting Transformation
From Local Gems to National Stars
From Local Gems to National StarsA decade ago, Iowa’s recruiting rarely ventured beyond the Midwest. Now, the Hawkeyes are rewriting that script. When Addie Deal, a five-star wing from California ranked #12 by ESPN, committed in 2024, it signalled Iowa’s new reach. Back-to-back national championship appearances in 2023 and 2024 have turned Iowa City into a beacon for talent. A single visit to think-packed stands and palpable energy can sway a prospect from coast to coast. Iowa’s no longer asking for a seat at the table; it’s hosting the feast.
Caitlin Clark’s Lasting Echo
Caitlin Clark didn’t just set records; she built a stage. Her 2023 games drew 12.3 million viewers, per ESPN, making Iowa a national spectacle. For a recruit like Kate Harpring, ranked #1 by 247Sports, Clark’s 2025 jersey retirement wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a vision of their own future. “You see that crowd and think, ‘I could be next,'” a prospect might say, captivated by Iowa’s spotlight. That allure is Iowa’s greatest recruiting asset.
Top Commits for 2025
The New Core
Iowa’s 2025 class blends finesse and tenacity. Leading the charge is Addie Deal (#12 ESPN), a 6’0″ wing whose smooth shooting and court vision force defences to scramble. From Davenport, Journey Houston (#36 ESPN), a 6’1″ forward, brings relentless energy, even as she rehabs a knee injury. Anchoring the paint is Layla Hays (#70 ESPN), a 6’5″ centre who spurned Gonzaga to uphold Iowa’s big-player tradition. Social media buzzes with their highlight reels, a must-see for Hawkeye fans.
- Addie Deal: Stretches defences with her range and playmaking.
- Journey Houston: A hometown force with a high-motor game.
- Layla Hays: A towering presence, built for Iowa’s post-heavy style.
Balancing the Roster
With 15 scholarships, Iowa expects 3-7 open spots for 2025-26, per the WBB Blog’s charts. Coaches juggle high school stars with transfer portal additions to keep the roster deep. Fans can track these moves on Hawkeyes Wire, where real-time updates reveal how each commitment shapes Iowa’s Big Ten ambitions.
2026 Recruiting Targets
Pursuing Elite Talent
Iowa’s 2026 class could be historic. Kate Harpring (#1 247Sports), a 5’11” guard, dazzles with speed and scoring, evoking Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson. McKenna Woliczko (#6 ESPN), a 6’2″ wing, blends versatility with resilience post-ACL recovery. Jenica Lewis (#15 ESPN), an in-state point guard, has been a Hawkeye target since 2021. Their visits, like Woliczko’s on August 28, 2025, are tracked on On3—key moments in Iowa’s pursuit.
- Kate Harpring: A scoring dynamo, with Iowa in her final four.
- McKenna Woliczko: A multi-faceted wing, rebounding from injury.
- Jenica Lewis: Iowa’s hometown hope, energising local fans.
Competing with Powerhouses
Iowa faces stiff competition from UConn, LSU, and South Carolina for these stars. Harpring, for instance, weighs Iowa’s vibrant culture against UConn’s titles. Iowa’s pitch? A tight-knit team and an arena that rocks with energy. Losses like Jhaliana Guy (Stanford, 2023) sting, but Iowa’s persistence, bolstered by 247Sports-tracked recruiting battles, keeps them in the race.
Coaching Transition Impact
Jensen and McCollum’s Vision
Jensen and McCollum’s VisionJan Jensen, now head coach after Lisa Bluder’s retirement, excels at shaping post players like Layla Hays. Assistant Ben McCollum’s selective offers target perfect fits, like Harpring’s dynamic scoring. Their pitch to recruits is personal. Jensen’s warmth and McCollum’s precision resonate. “It’s about trust,” Jensen might tell a prospect’s family in a living room visit. Hawkeye Beacon covers their evolving strategy.
Adapting to Change
Bluder’s exit sparked concerns, with fans on X fretting over the loss of in-state stars like Sahara Williams (Oklahoma, 2023). Jensen and McCollum are silencing doubts, landing national talents like Deal. On3’s coaching updates show a staff adapting swiftly, ensuring Iowa’s recruiting momentum doesn’t falter.
All Iowa Attack: The Talent Incubator
A Proven System
The All-Iowa Attack AAU program is Iowa’s talent incubator. Seven Hawkeyes in five years, including Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke, trace their roots here. Journey Houston and Layla Hays, 2025 commits, thrived in Attack’s system. It’s a head start, forging bonds with prospects like Jenica Lewis years early. Fans can scout future stars via the WBB Blog’s AAU rosters.
Why It Thrives
Attack’s tournaments bring talent to Iowa City, letting coaches build relationships. Its reputation draws out-of-state players, amplifying Iowa’s reach. This isn’t just a program, it’s a foundation for sustained success. Following Attack’s social media, the next wave of Hawkeye hopefuls is revealed.
Transfer Portal Strategy
Youth Meets Experience
Iowa complements high school stars with transfer portal veterans. Chazadi Wright and Emely Rodriguez, 2024 additions, bring instant impact. The 2024 class, with four top-100 ESPN recruits (Ava Heiden, Teagan Mallegni, Taylor Stremlow, Aaliyah Guyton), shows Iowa’s high school focus, but transfers add depth. On3’s portal tracker keeps fans updated on these moves.
Strategic Balance
With limited scholarships, Iowa blends fresh talent with seasoned additions. This Approach, detailed by Hawkeyes Wire, ensures Big Ten competitiveness. While some fans question portal reliance, it’s a calculated strategy to keep Iowa’s roster versatile and ready.
Overcoming Recruiting Obstacles
Battling Elite Programs
Iowa’s biggest hurdle is outbidding programs like UConn and LSU. Recruits like Harpring face a choice: Iowa’s electric atmosphere or a rival’s trophy case. Iowa leans on its fanbase and development focus, but losses like Audi Crooks (Iowa State, 2023) frustrate fans. 247Sports tracks these high-stakes pursuits, showing Iowa’s resilience.
Navigating Injury Risks
Injuries cloud the outlook for stars like Journey Houston (knee) and McKenna Woliczko (ACL). Iowa’s top-tier training staff, praised for player recovery, offers optimism. ESPN’s updates provide clarity on timelines, easing fan concerns about these prospects’ readiness.
Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond
Early 2027 Targets
Iowa’s already eyeing 2027. Madeline Mignery and Finley Chastain, unranked but promising, visited in 2025, signalling Iowa’s foresight. While overlooked by most outlets, these early offers reflect a long-term vision. 247Sports’ offer lists hint at who’s next.
Sustaining Momentum
With national title runs and a roaring fanbase, Iowa’s building a dynasty. A 2027 recruit watching Carver-Hawkeye erupt sees a future home. Hawkeyesports.com offers official updates on offers and visits, keeping fans in the loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the number one women’s basketball recruit?
Kate Harpring, a 5’11” guard ranked #1 by 247Sports for 2026, is a top recruit, known for explosive scoring. She committed to UNC over Iowa and others.
Did Lucy Olsen transfer to Iowa?
Yes, Lucy Olsen transferred to Iowa from Villanova for the 2024-25 season. She averaged 17.9 points per game and was drafted by the Washington Mystics in 2025.
What division is Iowa girls’ basketball in?
Iowa women’s basketball competes in NCAA Division I, part of the Big Ten Conference, known for its competitive play and national championship appearances.
Does Alabama have a women’s basketball team?
Yes, Alabama has a women’s basketball team in NCAA Division I, competing in the SEC. They’ve made recent NCAA Tournament appearances under coach Kristy Curry.
Who is the best girl in college basketball right now?
JuJu Watkins of USC is widely regarded as the top player, averaging 27.1 points per game in 2024-25, leading the nation in scoring.
Who is the best rookie female basketball player?
Caitlin Clark, drafted #1 by the Indiana Fever in 2024, leads WNBA rookies in assists and scoring, making her the standout rookie.
Takeaway
Iowa women’s basketball is forging a new legacy, landing stars like Addie Deal and chasing talents like Kate Harpring. Follow Hawkeyes Wire, On3, and hawkeyesports.com to stay in the heart of Iowa’s recruiting rise.
