Iowa Women’s Basketball: New Era Begins Post-Caitlin Clark
IOWA CITY – As the Iowa women’s basketball team heads into the 2024-25 season, a significant transformation looms over the program following the departure of superstar Caitlin Clark, who finished her collegiate career as the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader. Under the direction of newly appointed head coach Jan Jensen, the Hawkeyes are embracing change with a fresh slate and the mantra, “We’ve got next,” as articulated by top returning scorer Hannah Stuelke.
After a stellar run that included two consecutive national championship appearances and multiple accolades, Iowa now faces the challenge of rebuilding. The team will host Missouri Western in an exhibition game on Wednesday, marking the first time since March 2020 that they will play without Clark, who has transitioned to the professional arena as the WNBA Rookie of the Year. Iowa stands just outside the preseason Top 25 rankings, reflecting the lower expectations set for the season ahead.
In addition to losing Clark, the Hawkeyes bid farewell to veteran starters Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall. Jensen, who served as an assistant coach under the legendary Lisa Bluder, takes the reins after Bluder’s retirement, ending a 24-year tenure with 528 victories and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Amidst the uncertainty, Jensen encourages her team to view the departures as opportunities for growth and new roles. With six newcomers joining the roster, including high scorer Lucy Olsen from Villanova, returning players are eager to seize their chances on the court. Despite the challenges, the Hawkeyes’ popularity endures, with season tickets sold out for the second consecutive year.
As the team embraces a new identity, Jensen emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future and encourages players to carve out their legacy distinct from the past. The 2024-25 season promises to be a pivotal one for Iowa women’s basketball.
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