AS HAWKEYE WOMEN ENTER THE SECOND WEEK OF PRACTICE WHAT WILL THE STARTING LINEUP LOOK LIKE?

 The University of Iowa Women are back on the hardwood.  Just entering their second week back there's already some rumbling concerning the new faces the Hawkeyes added this off season.  There will be some names to get acquainted with, but that doesn't mean the cupboard is bare.  

Let's talk about the two portal gets.  PG Chit Chat Wright, a freshman transfer from Georgia Tech, will bring a dimension the Hawks haven't had in quite some time.  Wright is cat quick, and she will lead a pretty dynamic break.  Despite being 5-4 she also has a good outside game.  If she doesn't start a particular game, it's because Iowa is going bigger at the point guard position.  Next on the portal front is 6-1 Emely Rodriquez.  Rodriquez is a transfer from UCF that will have 3 seasons left.  Her ability to play both guard and forward will be a plus.  She was named to the Big 12 Freshman season last year.   

The three new freshmen all figure to be contributors this campaign.  The diamond of the recruiting class is 6-1 Addie Deal.  The 6-1 5-star from California will be counted on for her court savvy and leadership ability.  She no doubt will play some point guard and also the off-guard spot.  In some respects, she has a Caitlin Clark look to her game.  6-5 C Layla Hayes form Alaska has been a revelation in summer workouts and early practice.  Her ability to play a physical post will give Ava Heiden a sense of comfort and a tremendous workout partner.  Last is 5-11 Journey Houston, a slashing combo guard/forward from Davenport North.  Houston might be the surprise of the early going.  She appears completely healthy from the knee surgery she suffered in high school.     

The returnees are led by 6-2 F Hannah Stuelke.  Stuelke is poised to have a strong senior season. This past summer she helped the USA to Gold at the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Santiago, Chili.  Her ability to play the #4 position will go a long way in Iowa's success.  Another key player who was developing so fast at the end of last season was C Ava Heiden.  Heiden's game can complement Iowa's front line and give them some great rebounding presence. Her post moves are excellent.

The Hawkeye bench will be experienced in so many ways.  Grad Student 6-0 Kylie Feuerbach decided to return for her 5th season.  She is a superb defensive player and can play both the point guard and off-guard spots. Senior 6-0 Guard Taylor McCabe is the zone buster all teams like to have as a weapon.  McCabe shot 40% from 3-point range last season.  And then there is the energizer bunny 5-10 G Taylor Stremlow.  Stremlow does so much that doesn't necessarily show on the stat sheet, but she is a glue piece to the team.  She does very little wrong when she's on the court.  She has 3 seasons left.         

For certain, Hannah will be in the starting lineup

The remainder of the roster has several players that could be counted on if injuries should occur.  6-1 F Teagen Mallegni got some key minutes last season.  She often found herself in foul trouble due to her physical play.  Her sophomore year needs to be better.  PG Kennise Johnson has been injured a good share of her Iowa career.  It remains to be seen if she can find the court in 2025-26.  Another PG who has shown some flashes is 5-9 G Callie Levin.  The 2024 Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year could be a factor if she continues to develop.  And lastly, there is 6-1 F Jada Gyamfi.  Jada has been a vocal leader of the Hawks for quite a few years.  This season should be no different.    

So, who do I see as the starting lineup for this year.  I'll go with this:

PG  Chit Chat Wright

SG  Addie Deal

SF  Emely Rodriquez

PF  Hannah Stuelke

C    Ava Heiden    

The remaining part of the rotation looks like this in order of minutes played.

Kylie Fuerbach

Layla Hayes

Taylor McCabe

Taylor Stremlow

Journey Houston

Who you got?  Fire away if you think differently.

Go Hawks!!!