The Iowa women’s basketball team faced significant challenges heading into the 2024-25 season, with the departure of star Caitlin Clark, who was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, along with the exits of key players Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall. Despite these losses, the Hawkeyes managed to navigate a tumultuous season, showcasing resilience and determination under the guidance of new head coach Jan Jensen.
Jensen, who was promoted from assistant coach to head coach after Lisa Bluder’s retirement, emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s culture. “I’d like to think [the players are] coming in with a mentality, little chip on their shoulder because most everybody else is going to say, ‘Hey, you lost all that,’” Jensen stated at her introductory press conference on May 14, 2024. “A lot of people came for Caitlin, but they stayed for Hannah. They stayed for Syd. They certainly stayed for Kate and Gabbie. I think they stayed for what this team and culture is.”
The Hawkeyes’ strong fan base was evident as the women’s basketball team sold out its tickets for the second consecutive year. Jensen’s promotion was seen as a natural transition, with athletic director Beth Goetz remarking, “This is a seamless passing of the baton.” The retention of key players, including the commitment of five freshmen, was a testament to Jensen’s recruiting prowess during her time as an assistant.
The 2024-25 season began on a high note, with the Hawkeyes starting 8-0, marking the best start for a coach in program history. Their exhibition game against Missouri Western ended in a 110-55 victory, where all 11 eligible players scored. “I am grateful to have a team that did what they should’ve done tonight,” Jensen commented after the game.
However, as the season progressed, the team faced adversity. The first loss came on December 7, 2024, against Tennessee, where Iowa struggled with 30 turnovers. The challenges continued into January, where the team dropped five consecutive games, all by narrow margins. “The Big Ten season’s a long season,” fourth-year player Lucy Olsen said after a tough loss to Illinois. “There’s a lot of teams in there. Got to take every game one by one.”
Despite these setbacks, the Hawkeyes rallied, highlighted by a remarkable 24-point victory over Washington and a significant upset against No. 4 USC on the same day that Clark’s jersey was raised to the rafters. Olsen played a crucial role in an 81-66 victory at Nebraska, scoring 32 points and demonstrating her leadership.
As the regular season neared its conclusion, Jensen’s squad found their rhythm, ultimately achieving their 20th win on March 2, 2025, with an 81-66 triumph over Wisconsin. “If you use it right, the beautiful part can come, and this is, I think, a really beautiful part,” Jensen expressed after the win.
The Hawkeyes faced Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament, where they secured a 74-61 victory, showcasing their growth throughout the season. However, they narrowly lost to Ohio State in the next round, casting doubt on their postseason ambitions.
Despite the ups and downs, Iowa earned a spot in the NCAA tournament, where they defeated 11th-seeded Murray State 92-57 on March 22, 2025. Unfortunately, their season came to an end in the second round against Oklahoma on March 24, 2025, resulting in an overall record of 23-11. The game against Oklahoma was a challenging matchup, with Iowa struggling in various statistical categories, including rebounds and turnovers.
In the face of adversity, Olsen emerged as a standout player, averaging 17.9 points and 5.1 assists in her first season with the Hawkeyes after transferring from Villanova. Her performance earned her a spot among 50 finalists for the 2025 All-America Team, highlighting her impact on the team. “I think we all came together collectively to make sure that didn’t happen again,” Olsen said, reflecting on the lessons learned from previous losses.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners celebrated their victory over Iowa, with OU softball coach Patty Gasso attending the game and expressing her excitement for the women’s basketball team. “They’re so good, and they play as a team. They’ve got everything,” Gasso commented, emphasizing the importance of team support across sports at the University of Oklahoma.
As the season concluded, the Iowa women’s basketball program demonstrated resilience and growth, proving that even in the face of significant challenges, they remain a competitive force in college basketball. With a promising group of young players and a dedicated coaching staff, the future looks bright for the Hawkeyes.
