Iowa women's basketball announced on May 13 that it had secured commitments from point guard Bria Medina and forward Ella Strömdahl, a development that sparked excitement among Hawkeye fans and analysts alike.
Medina, a 5‑foot‑6 guard from Tucson, Arizona, arrives with a prolific high school career that includes five 30‑point games and a career‑high 40‑point performance on Jan. 27. Over her senior season she averaged 23.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game, numbers that placed her among the top prospects in the nation.
A Swedish Connection in Iowa
Joining Medina is Ella Strömdahl, a 6‑foot forward from Uppsala, Sweden. Strömdahl compiled a 6.5‑point and 2.9‑rebound average for the RIG Lulea Swedish academy team and has represented her country at the under‑16 and under‑18 levels. She will have four years of eligibility when she steps onto the Iowa campus next fall.
Both players will be part of the Hawkeyes' incoming freshman class, which already includes forward McKenna Woliczko. The trio is expected to bolster Iowa's perimeter defense, rebounding and scoring depth as the program looks to build on recent successes.
Coach Chris Collins praised the signings, noting that Medina's playmaking ability and Strömdahl's versatility will complement the existing roster and provide a strong foundation for the team's future campaigns.