The Iowa women’s basketball team, adjusting to the departure of many standout three-point shooters, has shifted its focus to more fundamental aspects of the game, including strong free-throw shooting, precise passing, and dominant post play. The Hawkeyes have found success with an emphasis on physicality in the paint, driven by their size and skill in the post position.
Fourth-year player Addison O’Grady, alongside third-year players Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden, has emerged as a key contributor to Iowa’s success. O’Grady’s performance, particularly in the paint, has been pivotal in games such as the Hawkeyes’ 86-73 victory over Drake on Nov. 17, 2024, where she scored 27 points, showcasing her ability to capitalize on inside opportunities. O’Grady credits her teammates for setting her up in key moments.
“My teammates are doing a really good job at getting me the ball,” O’Grady said. “I think it’s really good that we’re looking inside and getting our inside game going.”
The team’s approach is heavily influenced by head coach Jan Jensen, whose prior experience as a post coach under former head coach Lisa Bluder has proven invaluable in her leadership. Jensen, now leading the Hawkeyes, has successfully integrated her knowledge of post play into her coaching strategy, which was evident in the team’s 76-69 upset win over No. 4 USC on Feb. 2. O’Grady played a crucial role in the victory, contributing 13 points in the second half, including eight in the fourth quarter.
“Addi O’Grady, she’s got a really difficult job from the outside,” Jensen said after the win. “She’s just stayed really ready. And what I love about that, it’s such a great lesson for kids on different teams.”
Stuelke, who has thrived in an interchangeable role, also contributed significantly in the USC game with 10 points, despite battling foul trouble. Jensen pointed to Stuelke’s unselfish play as a key factor in the team’s success.
“I’d like to point out Hannah Stuelke because she was seeing how Addi was going,” Jensen said. “That top-and-in look, that’s my favorite. A lot of good things happen when we enter from the top. I’m really happy for both of them, but especially for how selfless they are.”
Iowa’s post players have continued to excel under Jensen’s guidance, and the program has seen numerous players thrive over the years. Monika Czinano, a former star for Iowa, was named to four consecutive All-Big Ten teams and led the nation in shooting percentage during her junior and senior seasons. Megan Gustafson, another former Iowa standout, won the National Player of the Year award in 2019, becoming the first player in Big Ten history to receive the honor.
Although Czinano and Gustafson have moved on, the post position at Iowa remains a strong point of focus. O’Grady, Heiden, and Stuelke have continued to deliver, and first-year player Heiden is already making an impact with 4.1 points per game, despite averaging only 10 minutes per contest.
Looking ahead, Iowa is poised for future success, with Alaska high school star Layla Hays set to join the program for the 2025-26 season. Under Jensen’s leadership, the Hawkeyes’ legacy of strong post play appears secure, and the future of Iowa women’s basketball remains bright.
“I just am more confident in myself, and my teammates are confident in me,” Stuelke said after a 26-point performance in Iowa’s 85-80 win over Northwestern on Jan. 28. “It was amazing. My teammates were getting me the ball all the time. I guess it was just rolling for me.”
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