After Friday’s thrilling 92-86 victory over Northern Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa women’s basketball team has encountered a minor setback, dropping to No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll for Week 8. Despite the win against Northern Iowa, powered by star guard Maya McDermott’s impressive 30-point performance, the six-point margin left Iowa with little leverage to maintain their previously-held No. 22 position as they head toward the holiday break.
The 10-2 Hawkeyes are set to return from break on December 29 to face Purdue (7-5) at 2 p.m. CT, eager to improve their record and bolster their postseason resume. The team's ranking drop continues to highlight the competitive nature of the Big Ten, which has several teams represented within the top 25, including UCLA at No. 1, followed closely by Maryland (No. 8) and Ohio State (No. 10). With others like Michigan State and Michigan also maintaining positions, the importance of each game escalates as the conference gears up for the second half of the season.
Reflecting on the past year, Caitlin Clark has significantly raised the profile of women's basketball, being named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after leading Iowa to the national championship game. Clark’s prominence extends beyond just her scoring prowess; she finished her collegiate career breaking records with 3,951 points, ranking top among both men’s and women’s NCAA Division I players. She has become not only the face of Iowa basketball but also of women’s sports nationwide. "It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports," she stated, acknowledging the collective efforts of her peers to push for greater visibility and recognition.
The excitement generated by Clark and the Hawkeyes has not only filled arenas but has also led to unprecedented viewership numbers. Notably, the NCAA women’s championship game drew 18.9 million viewers, outpacing the men’s tournament's semifinals for the first time ever. Clark’s popularity has spiked especially during her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, setting records and capturing the imagination of fans. "We outdrew the men’s Final Four," she proudly noted, illustrating the surge of interest surrounding women’s sports.
On the court, Iowa’s recent victory over Northern Iowa showcased the team’s resilience, even if it wasn’t enough to keep them from slipping down the rankings. The upcoming match against Purdue will be pivotal, not just for their standing but also for maintaining momentum as the team prepares to re-enter the intense grind of Big Ten play.
Among other Iowa athletics news, the community mourns the loss of former player and radio analyst Jamie Cavey-Lane, who passed away at the age of 41 after bravely battling cancer. Cavey-Lane joined the Iowa women's basketball radio broadcasts as color analyst, where she endeared herself to fans alongside play-by-play announcer Rob Brooks. An esteemed player during her time at Iowa from 2001 to 2005, she finished her career with 1,265 points—ranking her 27th all-time. Also known for her dedication off the court, she obtained a master's degree and served the university well as a career advisor.
The influence of both Caitlin Clark and Jamie Cavey-Lane marks important chapters for Iowa athletics, underscoring the deep connection between athletes and the community. From Clark’s record-setting achievements to Cavey-Lane’s enduring legacy as both athlete and mentor, their stories remind us of the impact sports can have, reaching far beyond just wins and losses.
With the future of Iowa women’s basketball marked by excitement and legacy, fans look forward to seeing how the team responds on December 29 against Purdue. The convergence of past and present athletes continues to inspire new generations as Iowa seeks to solidify its place not only within the Big Ten but on the national stage.
