Iowa WBB Class of 2026 Recruiting Thread

[Scott559]

I just got the feeling that McKenna’s family really enjoyed the whole vibe about Iowa City, Got to go to a sold out football game, Don’t believe Stanford comes close, They know the WBB program is a big deal. Stanford is a great school no doubt, Just not sure you get the same vibe where the athletics are as well connected and have the same energy that you get with Iowa City.

 

[citizenHawk]

No argument from me. I wasn't comparing Stanford to Iowa, but if anyone thinks the allure of Stanford is gone after one year, I'd say that is a leap. Three McDonald's All-Americans is more than an uptick; it's the kind of '26 class Iowa is dreaming about.

Iowa is competing with these schools for recruits. That's awesome! If Iowa can somehow pull players from California over the top California schools, even better. Just not an easy task, any way you want to frame it. Getting them on campus is the biggest hurdle, so that alone speaks volumes, and gives a real chance. And Iowa DOES have a real chance, but having been on these campuses,it's a tough game we are playing.

 

[oldhawk56]

I just got the feeling that McKenna’s family really enjoyed the whole vibe about Iowa City, Got to go to a sold out football game, Don’t believe Stanford comes close, They know the WBB program is a big deal. Stanford is a great school no doubt, Just not sure you get the same vibe where the athletics are as well connected and have the same energy that you get with Iowa City.

No, argument there but have you ever been on the Stanford campus? I don't know how any body competes with that.

 

[UpstreamHawkeye]

No, argument there but have you ever been on the Stanford campus? I don't know how any body competes with that.

Since Waliczko lives right next to Palo Alto, she's probably getting tired of the sight and ready for a change of scenery.

 

[hawkeyeskin]

Since Waliczko lives right next to Palo Alto, she's probably getting tired of the sight and ready for a change of scenery.

I really feel like she’s gonna be a Hawk

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

Think reporting has gone to hell. Don't know who to trust with these sports reporters. This was baffling to me back in mid-February and now again it seems like deja vu all over again in mid-March.

Talia Goodman (see X tweet below) reported Bjorn was to visit UConn on Feb 12th and visit Texas on Feb 16th. Didn't find a boneyard report on a UConn visit and didn't find a hornfans report on a Texas visit on their forums for those dates.

Now one month later this article by sportskeeda reports the very same dates from a prior article but a month later on Mar 12th and Mar 15th for Bjorn's visits. However, again there's no reporting from either the boneyard or hornfans that these visits took place last week. Believe me, if these top recruits come to your fav team for a visit, they post the tweets or reports to their boards just like we do here.

The other part of this article that's another mystery is why the title even has Iowa in it. It's main reference in the article to IA is, "Iowa fans hope to see her play for the Hawkeyes." Well duh, which college doesn't. That's not unique reporting to us. I could apply it to many other teams as well.

3/15/25 Article Title: Jerzy Robinson shares 2-word reaction to 5-star Iowa Hawkeyes target Addison Bjorn’s Gatorade POY honor
"The player recently narrowed her college choices to 15 top programs, including UConn, Stanford and Iowa. After visiting UConn on Wednesday [Mar 12th], she is set to visit Texas on Saturday [Mar 15th] as her recruitment intensifies.
Iowa fans hope to see her play for the Hawkeyes."

Jerzy Robinson shares 2-word reaction to 5-star Iowa Hawkeyes target Addison Bjorn’s Gatorade POY honor

Addison Bjorn, a four-star recruit from the 2025 class, was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Missouri. She received the prestigious honour for her outstanding performances during the season.

www.sportskeeda.com

Here's their prior article stating that 1 visit by Bjorn already took place and yet they are reporting it again a month later in the article above. This is no longer about Bjorn's two visits but what reporters, or at least this website, are stating as perceived facts to us. Sportskeeda contradicts itself by using the word "visited" (below) when it appears it is not correct in either article as far as I can tell.

2/15/25 Article Title: Iowa target Addison Bjorn reaches major career milestone; etches her name in her high school's history book
"Addison Bjorn visited Geno Auriemma's UConn on Wednesday [Feb 12th] and will be heading to Texas on Saturday [Feb 15th, not the 16th as Goodman reports below]."

Iowa target Addison Bjorn reaches major career milestone; etches her name in her high school's history book

Addison Bjorn, the No. 24 recruit in the Class of 2026, was awarded the Children’s Mercy Kansas City Rising Star Award on Tuesday.

www.sportskeeda.com

It also appears Goodman's tweet doesn't seem to be correct either because I never heard about a reschedule of these visits yet.




Remember just the other day stating an article sucked about IA and a portal player. They could just as well put NE in that article as there was nothing unique to IA alone in it. That's what good reporting is about stating the uniqueness of the case.

Anyways, this reporting about Bjorn and these 2 visits were very odd back then and now they appear to be very odd again. Just seems to be some sloppy reporting going on.


About Sportskeeda
"After becoming a trusted name in sports, Sportskeeda branched out into esports, given how esports had developed into a serious and competitive industry of its own. ... Sportskeeda is driven by a talented global team of over 650 journalists and editors. That includes experts such as Tony Pauline, Bill Apter, and Mark Medina, who add unique insights to the platform's content."
"The objective of Sportskeeda’s editorial team is to produce content with integrity. We aim to be accurate, unbiased and honest in every single story we put out. Find out more about our editorial team."

About Sportskeeda

Sportskeeda is a global platform delivering trusted sports, esports & pop culture content to 100M+ fans monthly with expert-driven, quality journalism!

www.sportskeeda.com

Should also state it's not all reporters. I'm sure there are very thorough reporters out there. Didn't want to throw all sports reporters under the bus.

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

A question for Wild 1: when do you sleep??????

LOL... Got a dartboard?

Don't have a set schedule. No alarm clocks. Like working at night coz there's a sense of calm in air with less distractions. Usually feel lethargic if I get too much sleep >6 hrs. Usually get ~3 hrs sleep a couple times a day here and there.

 

[kceasthawk]

This year's team does, but the freshman still don't.

Guyton has 14 assists and 16 turnovers in the last 10. And if you expand one more game it's 15 assists and 20 turnovers.

Stremlow is a little better at 13 assists and 10 turnovers, but her minutes are also down in that stretch.

Guyton came out hot when her responsibilities were limited, (fewer minutes, and basically off the ball shooter). As her minutes increased and she played more at the point she struggled with poor decisions, often driving in the paint and being overwhelmed with size. At this point I'd give her the benefit of the doubt that an off season of work (which she did not have this season) and coaching will help her greatly. She seems a willing defender. Stremlow is somewhat limited athletically at this level but plays hard and with energy, and with some basketball IQ. I'd see her role as a top notch reserve who gives great spark minutes off the bench in a best case scenario......

 

[GunnerHawk]

Since Waliczko lives right next to Palo Alto, she's probably getting tired of the sight and ready for a change of scenery.

I spent a lot of time in Palo Alto the last ten years of my career. Not sure you ever get tired of the scenery or the weather. Leans a little too far to the left for my liking but I always found folks very welcoming.

 

[GunnerHawk]

Guyton came out hot when her responsibilities were limited, (fewer minutes, and basically off the ball shooter). As her minutes increased and she played more at the point she struggled with poor decisions, often driving in the paint and being overwhelmed with size. At this point I'd give her the benefit of the doubt that an off season of work (which she did not have this season) and coaching will help her greatly. She seems a willing defender. Stremlow is somewhat limited athletically at this level but plays hard and with energy, and with some basketball IQ. I'd see her role as a top notch reserve who gives great spark minutes off the bench in a best case scenario......

She was just a freshman coming off ACL surgery. Give her a summer to train and you'll see a lot of improvement.

 

[kceasthawk]

She was just a freshman coming off ACL surgery. Give her a summer to train and you'll see a lot of improvement.

Which is pretty much what I said. I'm sure she's going to be getting a lot of coaching, and I would think she'll see a better version of her next season.

 

[ExiraHawk]

She was just a freshman coming off ACL surgery. Give her a summer to train and you'll see a lot of improvement.

Agree 💯Gunner

 

[Scott559]

No, argument there but have you ever been on the Stanford campus? I don't know how any body competes with that.

Yes, Gorgeous campus and top notch academic school. I was referring more to the vibe in regard to overall experience with athletics between the campus/city and the fans.

 

[BGHAWK]

Both Guyton and Stuelke have the ability to drive. I would like to see Hannah really develop her outside shot, forcing defenses to come out and guard her, and when they do, drive by them. I would like to see Guyton develop a short jumper, because she can get by defenders. Her problem has been getting in deep resulting in a bad shot at the rim, or turning it over.

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

Updated list of 2026 recruits and their Avg Ranking by the major ranking sites.

In this update, Olivia Vukosa did not include us in her Top 7. This was expected as she did not mention that we were in contact with her in a recent podcast. We already have Heiden and Hays which is another reason it was expected.

4 out of 22 targets are off the board. 18 still remain as possible commits.

Rk

'26-'27 Offers

Hght

Pos

ASGR

PN

JRAS

ESPN

TSB

247S

BSBB

ON3

LOW

Avg Rk

Notes

1​

Jerzy Robinson

6'1"

W

1​

3​

1​

3​

3​

3​

5​

2​

1​

2.63​

2​

Saniyah Hall

6'1"

G

4​

1​

5​

1​

2​

10​

1​

1​

3.43​

3​

Olivia Vukosa

6'5"

F/P

2​

6​

2​

5​

16​

6​

1​

4​

1​

5.25​

Top 7

4​

Trinity Jones

6'2"

W

10​

7​

7​

8​

7​

1​

9​

1​

7.00​

Visit

5​

McKenna Woliczko

6'2"

W/F

7​

5​

8​

6​

5​

22​

5​

5​

8.29​

Top 10

6​

Amari Byles

6'2"

W

6​

10​

12​

17​

6​

14​

7​

13​

6​

10.63​

Top 15

7​

Addison Bjorn

6'2"

G/W

17​

13​

11​

11​

7​

11​

10​

10​

7​

11.25​

Top 15

8​

Brihanna Crittendon

6'3"

W

9​

9​

6​

10​

35​

12​

6​

8​

6​

11.88​

9​

Kate Harpring

5'10"

PG

12​

2​

21​

2​

37​

1​

25​

3​

1​

12.88​

OVisit

10​

Ashlyn Koupal

6'3"

W

27​

11​

14​

21​

9​

12​

9​

15.67​

Visit

11​

Jenica Lewis

5'10"

W

13​

30​

16​

15​

1​

23​

14​

20​

1​

16.50​

Visit

12​

Sanai Green

6'0"

G

11​

16​

30​

27​

12​

29​

23​

11​

21.14​

13​

Maddyn Greenway

5'6"

PG

39​

25​

18​

18​

32​

19​

12​

17​

12​

22.50​

-> KY

14​

Natalie Kussow

5'11"

G

49​

18​

15​

16​

25​

27​

22​

15​

24.57​

Visit

15​

Bella Ragone

6'2"

W

35​

19​

29​

28​

21​

21​

21​

19​

24.86​

Visit

16​

Kamrah Banks

5'9"

G

33​

33​

11​

11​

25.67​

17​

Lilly Williams

6'5"

F/P

34​

54​

28​

20​

28​

28​

20​

32.00​

-> MI St

18​

Jayla Jay Jackson

5'7"

CG

68​

18​

13​

13​

33.00​

Visit

19​

Emilia Krstevski

6'5"

F/P

31​

49​

35​

26​

27​

26​

33.60​

Visit

20​

Ava Miles

6'0"

G

30​

44​

52​

25​

25​

37.75​

Visit

21​

Tori Oehrlein

5'11"

PG

48​

51​

43​

22​

22​

41.00​

-> Minn

22​

Leelee Bell

6'3"

W

59​

59​

59.00​

Visit

 

[citizenHawk]

It's a little mixed up, but some solid highlights of Bella Ragone (#5) from last month. (I didn't realize she was 6'2!)

 

[creslin_hawk]

Guyton came out hot when her responsibilities were limited, (fewer minutes, and basically off the ball shooter). As her minutes increased and she played more at the point she struggled with poor decisions, often driving in the paint and being overwhelmed with size. At this point I'd give her the benefit of the doubt that an off season of work (which she did not have this season) and coaching will help her greatly. She seems a willing defender. Stremlow is somewhat limited athletically at this level but plays hard and with energy, and with some basketball IQ. I'd see her role as a top notch reserve who gives great spark minutes off the bench in a best case scenario......

Stremlow description sounds a lot like Syd as a freshmans/Soph. She could surprise with development. Guton needs to figure out when to attack and when to pass. I expect Guton to improve with coaching and an offseason.

 

[oldhawk56]

Since Waliczko lives right next to Palo Alto, she's probably getting tired of the sight and ready for a change of scenery.

Well, we would certainly be that : )

 

[herkhatescy2]

Stremlow description sounds a lot like Syd as a freshmans/Soph. She could surprise with development. Guton needs to figure out when to attack and when to pass. I expect Guton to improve with coaching and an offseason.

I expect Guyton to transfer myself. Especially if she listens to her dad. Hope not as I think that she will improve from year one to year two.

 

[MitchLL]

I expect Guyton to transfer myself. Especially if she listens to her dad. Hope not as I think that she will improve from year one to year two.

Her uncontrolled drives into the lane/baseline always looked like stuff I see in youth, club basketball...Daddy telling them to be more aggressive and take more shots!
And that aggression invariably led to turnovers or lost possessions.

 

[GunnerHawk]

Her uncontrolled drives into the lane/baseline always looked like stuff I see in youth, club basketball...Daddy telling them to be more aggressive and take more shots!
And that aggression invariably led turnovers or lost possessions.

You two can't possibly be Hawk fans. Making demeaning comments about a young lady working her ass off as a Hawk. Take a hike.

 

[MitchLL]

You two can't possibly be Hawk fans. Making demeaning comments about a young lady working her ass off as a Hawk. Take a hike.

Demeaning?
No, it's one person's opinion.
She averaged 1.2 assists/game vs 1.7 turnovers.
Those are the stats.

 

[Matt1nb7]

Could Guyton transfer? Yes.

But I’ve posted a video on here a few times of her talking down about the portal and how she doesn’t like players giving up on coaching staffs too early. Saying players need to be loyal and trust the process.

I think that provides more evidence that she doesn’t transfer.

 

[GunnerHawk]

Demeaning?
No, it's one person's opinion.
She averaged 1.2 assists/game vs 1.7 turnovers.
Those are the stats.

What do you call comments like" her drives into the lane remind you of stuff you see in youth league". Seems pretty harsh. I have seen her knock down some big shots from the arc and show excellent speed. She will only get better.

 

[kceasthawk]

What do you call comments like" her drives into the lane remind you of stuff you see in youth league". Seems pretty harsh. I have seen her knock down some big shots from the arc and show excellent speed. She will only get better.

That probably will happen. Its also not off base to say once Jan started playing her more as THE point guard in rotation she struggled with decison making AND her shot dropped off considerably. Jan talked about it in one of her interviews.

 

[MitchLL]

What do you call comments like" her drives into the lane remind you of stuff you see in youth league". Seems pretty harsh. I have seen her knock down some big shots from the arc and show excellent speed. She will only get better.

Did you actually watch any games this year?
I'm talking about her time as the pg.

 

[SCHawkFan]

Her uncontrolled drives into the lane/baseline always looked like stuff I see in youth, club basketball...Daddy telling them to be more aggressive and take more shots!
And that aggression invariably led turnovers or lost possessions.

Watch videos from Caitlin’s freshman year. Obviously, CC was in a league of her own, but she dribbled into a good bit of trouble her first year.

 

[MitchLL]

No one is saying Guyton can't/won't improve, she just needs to slow down a bit, imo.

 

[BGHAWK]

Guyton has made mistakes and I don't want to take the time to point out mistakes made by EVERY player and coaches this past season. She's a freshmen for heaven's sake. Based on what I've read here the past few months, we'd have nobody left on the team.

 

[clarkdallas]

Guyton has made mistakes and I don't want to take the time to point out mistakes made by EVERY player and coaches this past season. She's a freshmen for heaven's sake. Based on what I've read here the past few months, we'd have nobody left on the team.

AG is a very nice player. She will be extremely valuable going forward. She played very well considering she started playing at the end of November after rehab for an ACL injury. She is an integral part of the freshman class. Her quickness and intensity will certainly add to the team. She like the other freshman will show the benefits of a years practice and experience.

 

[ExiraHawk]

Her uncontrolled drives into the lane/baseline always looked like stuff I see in youth, club basketball...Daddy telling them to be more aggressive and take more shots!
And that aggression invariably led turnovers or lost possessions.

F’off Mitch.

AG is a very nice player. She will be extremely valuable going forward. She played very well considering she started playing at the end of November after rehab for an ACL injury. She is an integral part of the freshman class. Her quickness and intensity will certainly add to the team. She like the other freshman will show the benefits of a years practice and experience.

plus , AG has her Father’s genetics. We saw that this season. Thru Coaching , practice and game experience , she will be a great person/player for Iowa Women’s 🏀 !

 

[GunnerHawk]

F’off Mitch.

plus , AG has her Father’s genetics. We saw that this season. Thru Coaching , practice and game experience , she will be a great person/player for Iowa Women’s 🏀 !

Don't forget her Mom who played nationally for Brazil in several olympics.

 

[DewHawk]

AG is a very nice player. She will be extremely valuable going forward. She played very well considering she started playing at the end of November after rehab for an ACL injury. She is an integral part of the freshman class. Her quickness and intensity will certainly add to the team. She like the other freshman will show the benefits of a years practice and experience.

Yeah, I am always surprised/saddened by people trashing/giving up on a freshman. They are just a freshman and, in her case, recovering from an injury. They absolutely need to acclimate to college before you can arrive at any definitive judgement but, JMO.

 

[Scott559]

Yeah, I am always surprised/saddened by people trashing/giving up on a freshman. They are just a freshman and, in her case, recovering from an injury. They absolutely need to acclimate to college before you can arrive at any definitive judgement but, JMO.

I don’t think some understand how big a deal it was for her to miss all the summer workout and fall practice sessions and then have to try to reclaim skills and jell on the court in live game scenarios. This offseason will be huge for her.

 

[ExiraHawk]

Don't forget her Mom who played nationally for Brazil in several olympics.

Oh yes. Thanks Gunner.

 

[kceasthawk]

Yeah, I am always surprised/saddened by people trashing/giving up on a freshman. They are just a freshman and, in her case, recovering from an injury. They absolutely need to acclimate to college before you can arrive at any definitive judgement but, JMO.

I think people get a little "bent" over an observation, and go straight to "he was trashing her". NOwhere in his post did he say anything remotely about "giving up" on her.....

 

[MitchLL]

I think people get a little "bent" over an observation, and go straight to "he was trashing her". NOwhere in his post did he say anything remotely about "giving up" on her.....

I think there are some posters here that are relatively close to the program and/or know the players or their families personally.

They take everything as some direct slam at the player.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Watch videos from Caitlin’s freshman year. Obviously, CC was in a league of her own, but she dribbled into a good bit of trouble her first year.

Caitlin would dribble into plenty of trouble. In both her first two years ... she'd be trying to play so fast that she'd almost always appear to be somewhat out of control. She still managed though.

I hope Guyton doesn't transfer - seems like a quality player. I hope that she continues to want to be a Hawk.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Yeah, I am always surprised/saddened by people trashing/giving up on a freshman. They are just a freshman and, in her case, recovering from an injury. They absolutely need to acclimate to college before you can arrive at any definitive judgement but, JMO.

I don't think that fans are "giving up" on a freshman ... I think that the situation more closely resembles the standard situation of fans ... when there is the possibility of negative scenario ... fans very often "brace for the worst." When "bracing for the worst" ... fans often kinda play the part of the "jilted lover" ... there is an odd sense of betrayal. This sentiment is often followed by mindless "lashing out."

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I don't think that fans are "giving up" on a freshman ... I think that the situation more closely resembles the standard situation of fans ... when there is the possibility of negative scenario ... fans very often "brace for the worst." When "bracing for the worst" ... fans often kinda play the part of the "jilted lover" ... there is an odd sense of betrayal. This sentiment is often followed by mindless "lashing out."

I frankly think that the healthiest scenario is to want a player to remain in your program ... if THEY want to remain in your program. There is very little sense in hand-wringing about players who don't want to be there. If someone is somewhere they don't want to be ... they're not going to be at their best and their not going to be sufficiently focussed to continue to strive to be their best. If someone doesn't want to be here ... I don't want them to be around then. If they DO want to be here ... then they're going to get my undivided (and relentless) fan support.