To the surprise of absolutely no one who has been watching Iowa Women’s Basketball this season, and in particular the last month, Lucy Olsen lead the way for Iowa in postseason recognition, being named first-team All-Big Ten pick by league coaches and media.
The senior transfer has been instrumental for the Hawkeyes this year, particularly as of late (and particularly against USC and Juju Watkins). Olsen ranked 5th in the conference in scoring with 18 points per game, and 3rd in assists with 4.8 during the regular season. Her contributions in Iowa’s late season resurgence were a huge component of the team’s success. It’s now the ninth season in a row that has featured a Hawkeye as a first-team all conference player.
Hannah Stuelke was named second-team All-Big Ten from league media and honorable mention from the coaches. It has been an up and down season for Stuelke, who started off the season at power forward, but could not find a groove with the offense. Her switch back to center sparked her offensive output, and was a key factor in the team being able to play its fast style of basketball. Despite the struggles, Stuelke still managed to average 13 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, but many might see this season as a bit of a disappointment for the junior. Time will tell if she is truly able to adjust to the four at the college level, or if head coach Jan Jensen will keep her as the starting center next year ahead of Ava Heiden.
Syd Affolter rounded out the team’s honors, being named honorable mention by the media. She also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The senior struggled at times coming off an injury sustained in the offseason as well as finding her footing in an expanded role, but, like the team as a whole, improved as the season progressed. Her 8.5 points per game does not jump off the stat sheet, but her 8.1 rebounds per game were felt in key moments as Iowa sought to close out many a close victory.
Up next, the Hawks start March in Indianapolis for the Big Ten tournament with a favorable draw and lots of momentum. Even with the ups and downs, the post-Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder era of Iowa WBB has been a lot of fun to follow, and I for one am not ready to say goodbye to this squad anytime soon.
