Offseason Priorities
Ava Heiden concluded her sophomore campaign with averages of 18.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, a performance that secured her a spot on the First Team All‑Big Ten roster selected by both media and coaches.
Rather than joining the USA 3v3 roster, Heiden has elected to remain in Iowa City, where she can work directly with her teammates and coaching staff. The decision reflects her belief that the Hawkeyes’ depth at guard positions will allow her to contribute more effectively to the overall scheme.
Her offseason regimen includes a deliberate focus on free‑throw shooting, turnaround jumpers and post slides. She has also taken advantage of recent leadership conferences in Chicago and an upcoming one in Portland to broaden her perspective beyond the court.
Heiden has been vocal about limiting distractions, choosing to step back from social media to maintain concentration on team objectives. Head coach Jan Jensen has noted the rigors of the USA Basketball schedule, which leans heavily on guard play, and the coaching staff is exploring ways to integrate Heiden’s skill set into a more balanced offense.
Statistically, Heiden ranked in the 96th percentile for points per possession on post‑up attempts and shot 73.9 percent at the rim, underscoring her efficiency as a post scorer. Her mobility and footwork have been identified as core strengths, and she plans to use ball‑screen actions to create space and diversify her jump shot.
With teammates like Hannah Stuelke and Dani Carnegie — who brings a playstyle reminiscent of Chit‑Chat Wright — Heiden sees an opportunity to share the post load while still pushing for individual growth. The collective aim is clear: elevate the Hawkeyes’ competitiveness and contend for a championship.