Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Ready for New Chapter After Caitlin Clark Era
As the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team approaches the 2024-25 season, they are preparing to face a major transition: moving forward without Caitlin Clark, their star player since 2019. After a record-breaking college career, Clark was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft, leaving a notable gap in Iowa’s roster. Nevertheless, forward Hannah Stuelke is optimistic about the team’s future, confident that the Hawkeyes can still maintain their offensive prowess even without their former leader.
Stuelke acknowledges the challenges posed by the departures of both Clark and graduate Kate Martin but emphasizes that Iowa’s new strategy will allow the team to adapt. She spoke about how their game plan would shift, focusing on fresh offensive techniques that will help sustain the high-scoring style that Iowa fans have come to expect. Stuelke also noted that Lucy Olsen, a transfer from Villanova, will be a crucial piece of the puzzle, bringing her unique skills to the team.
Olsen’s performance during her time at Villanova has garnered attention, particularly in her final season when she averaged an impressive 23.3 points per game. Her experience and scoring ability make her a valuable addition to the Hawkeyes, providing the team with a capable alternative to Clark. With Olsen in the lineup, Iowa aims to transition smoothly into this new phase while staying competitive at the highest level.
While filling the void left by a player of Clark’s magnitude won’t be easy, the Hawkeyes are determined to stay on top. Stuelke is confident that Olsen, along with the rest of the team, will rise to the occasion. She believes Iowa will continue to be a dominant force in women’s college basketball, even as they navigate this significant shift in their lineup.
The Hawkeyes will open their season against Northern Illinois on November 6, marking the start of a new chapter for the program. As they begin this journey without their former star, the team is ready to prove that they can still shine on the national stage.
AONDONA BARTHELOMEW