The excitement surrounding Iowa’s women’s basketball team is building as the 2026‑27 season draws near, with coaches, analysts and fans eager to see how the roster will translate into results.
Ava Heiden’s Ascendancy
Heiden’s breakout sophomore campaign saw her scoring average jump from 5.0 to 18.0 points per game, while her rebounding numbers climbed from 2.6 to 7.2 per game, establishing her as the team’s emerging focal point.
Adding to the momentum, Dani Carnegie is set to join the Hawkeyes after a standout sophomore year at Georgia, where she posted 17.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Her arrival also brings a reunion with former teammate Chit‑Chat Wright, a dynamic duo that could reshape the backcourt.
Freshman McKenna Woliczko arrives with a reputation for stretching the floor and delivering clutch shooting, traits that should alleviate some of the scoring load from Heiden and create additional spacing for the offense.
The blend of a proven scorer, an experienced transfer and a promising newcomer suggests a balanced attack that could keep Iowa competitive in a tough conference, setting the stage for a season that many are already labeling as a potential turning point.