Iowa's women's basketball program announced a scholarship offer to Madeleine Hamiel, a combo guard from Cretin‑Durham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, in July 2024. The announcement underscores the Hawkeyes' continued focus on securing elite talent from the Midwest's deep high school talent pool.
A Recruiting Surge
Hamiel is ranked No. 2 in Minnesota's 2029 class by Prep Girls Hoops, a testament to her performance on the national circuit. During her junior season she averaged 15.1 points per game while shooting 46.2 % from the field, pulling down 11 rebounds and dishing out 4.3 steals per contest. Those numbers have placed her among the most coveted prospects in the state.
The offer from Iowa adds to a growing list of suitors that includes Iowa State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Nebraska, Marquette, North Dakota State, South Dakota, South Dakota State and St. Thomas. Each program has courted Hamiel with the promise of immediate playing time and development within competitive conferences.
Beyond her high school schedule, Hamiel competes for the North Tartan EYBL team, where she continues to refine her perimeter defense and shooting consistency. Her participation in that elite summer league has only amplified the buzz surrounding her recruitment, making her one of the most closely watched players in the region.
Coaches at Iowa see Hamiel as a player who can immediately impact the program's defensive identity while providing a reliable scoring option. Her commitment would not only bolster the Hawkeyes' roster for the upcoming season but also reinforce the team's reputation as a destination for top-tier Midwestern talent.