A Quiet Determination
Bria Medina, a standout guard from Knox College, has announced her move to the University of Iowa’s women’s basketball program, bringing a three‑year scoring record of 1,524 points to the Big Ten.
At Knox she ranked second nationally among Division III scorers as a junior, averaging 23.6 points per game and improving each season from 16.9 as a freshman to 18.2 as a sophomore.
From Small Crowds to Big Arenas
Medina will trade the modest gymnasiums that once held about 50 spectators for the 15,000‑seat Carver‑Hawkeye Arena, a shift that underscores both the scale of her new environment and her eagerness to test herself against top competition.
She acknowledges the jump from Division III to the Big Ten but says the opportunity to develop under Coach Jan Jensen and to compete at the highest level of women’s college basketball excites her.
A Personal Connection and a Team‑First Mindset
Medina met her future fiancé, Joshua Stewart, during her freshman year at Knox, and the couple’s shared journey has added a personal dimension to her collegiate experience.
Coach Jan Jensen praised Medina’s speed, ball‑handling and free‑throw shooting, noting that those skills fit perfectly with Iowa’s fast‑paced style, while her bubbly personality aligns with the program’s team‑first culture.
The addition of Medina brings the Hawkeyes’ 2026‑27 roster to 11 players, a depth that Coach Jensen describes as a bonus for a team already established as a contender.
Among the teammates who have already embraced her are Mae Callahan, Kylie Callahan, Kira Mowen, Taliyah Henderson, Chit-Chat Wright, Taylor Stremlow, Journey Houston, Layla Hays, and Ella Stromdahl, each bringing their own strengths to the squad.
Lisa Bluder, the longtime Iowa coach, expressed confidence in Medina’s impact, while reporter Chad Leistikow highlighted the story in the Des Moines Register, underscoring the broader excitement surrounding the transfer portal’s influence on college sports.
Looking Ahead
Medina’s move represents more than a career step; it is a narrative of humility, determination, and the willingness to embrace new challenges. As she steps onto the court in Iowa City, the basketball world watches a promising talent ready to make her mark on a national stage.