Iowa women’s basketball starts strong with Ava Hayen and Hannah Stuelke leading the way in a commanding first win of the season.
So, Iowa just tipped off their season, and let’s be honest — there were flashes of brilliance mixed with a few rough patches. But overall? A solid, confident debut. The Hawkeyes looked every bit like a team still figuring out its post-Caitlin Clark identity, yet one that’s already loaded with emerging talent ready to make noise.
Addy Deal’s First Taste of College Hoops
Let’s start with the big storyline: freshman five-star recruit Addy Deal.
She was… fine. Not great, not terrible — just fine. The talent is obvious, but the nerves showed. Seven turnovers in a debut is rough, and she’s clearly still adjusting to the college pace. Southern pressed her early and often, and she didn’t always handle it well.
But here’s the thing — you can see the potential. The footwork, the flashes, that smooth up-and-under move for a basket? That’s the kind of skill that separates her from the average freshman. She’s just got to settle in, get used to the pressure, and learn to slow the game down. No one expected her to be Caitlin Clark 2.0 overnight. Still, it’s fair to say expectations were sky-high, and she’ll need time to grow into that role.
The Veterans Hold It Down
While Deal had her learning moments, Hannah Stuelke (yeah, the same Hannah Stuelke some draft boards disrespectfully ranked in the 70s) was phenomenal.
Her movement, energy, and heart? Unreal. She plays way bigger than her size — the kind of player who just refuses to take a play off. Every possession matters to her, and you feel that in how she runs the floor, rebounds, and finishes through contact.
Honestly, if we’re talking about next-level potential, Stuelke’s got first-round WNBA pick written all over her. You can’t teach her motor or her instincts.
Emily Ryan looked in control again — steady, confident, composed. The offense flowed when she was at the point. Chitchat also ran the show nicely, creating easy looks and keeping the tempo where Iowa needed it.
Ava Hayen Looks Like “The Real Deal”
Then there’s Ava Hayen, who might just be the breakout star of this Iowa team.
People looked at her numbers from last season and shrugged — five points per game doesn’t jump off the page. But context matters. She ended last season on fire, putting up double digits in back-to-back games, and that momentum clearly carried over.
Her size, her finishing touch, her poise — everything about her screams long-term star. The 2028 WNBA Draft might feel far away, but if she keeps trending like this, she’s absolutely going to be in that conversation. She’s finally looking like the anchor Iowa’s been searching for inside.
Southern Deserves Credit Too
Southern deserves a quick shoutout here. Their defensive energy was impressive — Hurston and Tate hounded Iowa’s guards all night. They played with effort, energy, and pride, and for a while in that first half, they really made Iowa work. But as the game wore on, Iowa’s size and depth took over.
Still, you have to respect the fight Southern showed. That kind of pressure defense will give a lot of teams headaches early in the season.
Irish Shoutouts and Rotation Notes
Shoutout to Emma Tolen and Grace Prenter, both getting minutes and representing the Irish connection. That’s a big leap — going from the Irish Super League and National League to D1 college basketball is no joke. They might not have filled the stat sheet, but seeing them on the court in Iowa colors was a great moment.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, it’s a 35-point win. The final margin doesn’t really matter — these early non-conference games are more about rhythm than results. But when you can dominate by nearly 40 while still having plenty to fix, that’s a pretty strong place to start.
Iowa fans should feel encouraged.
Stuelke looks like a legit WNBA prospect. Hayen is evolving into a force. Deal just needs time to adjust, and when she does, this team’s ceiling gets a whole lot higher.
The Hawkeyes aren’t perfect — far from it — but they’re dangerous. And as this young roster grows into its identity, they’re only going to get tougher to beat.
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