This is a different Iowa Women’s basketball team compared to the last four years. No Caitlin Clark. No Lisa Bluder. No Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Molly Davis, Sharon Goodman etc.
Out with the old and in with the new — six newcomers including five freshmen are finding their way in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes bring in the #9 class in the nation along with the #3 scorer in the country — Lucy Olsen.
But after watching an hour-long practice Thursday morning it was apparent one thing was going to remain the same no matter who donned the black and gold: The joy that captivated millions upon millions isn’t going anywhere.
“The energy that they brought — I think that is what’s been really fun,” head coach Jan Jensen said. “The very first practice, I told them I don’t think that there’s ever been a gym any louder on day one.
“They’re leaning into the moment with me, and it just been really, really fun.”
The freshman bunch includes four top 100 recruits. Aaliyah Guyton is still recovering from a significant knee injury, but Ava Heiden, Taylor Stremlow, and Teagen Mallegni have seamlessly fit in with the Hawkeyes culture.
“It’s definitely an adjustment, it’s been a good adjustment though.” Kylie Feuerbach said. “I think we’ve all been ready to go, and we have a lot of newcomers. It’s a lot of learning and implementing new things. But it’s been great, and everyone has been kind of ready to go since the end of last season.”
“I think we’re having a lot of fun learning and growing,” Hannah Stuelke said. “Finding how we fit together has been really important this summer.”
“The freshman class, they bring a ton of energy,” assistant coach Raina Harmon said. “They don’t know what they don’t know. They don’t know how long the season is. But I think they’ve come in just bringing energy.”
“Everyone’s learning, everyone’s growing. I think it’s important to remember that this is it is our job, but it’s a game at the end of the day.” Jaday Gyamfi said.
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