A New Offensive Identity
Iowa’s coaching staff has decided to revert to a 4‑out, 1‑in offensive set for the upcoming season, a move that directly reflects the personnel they now possess. The approach differs sharply from the high‑low scheme that powered a 27‑7 campaign last year, when the team claimed second place in the Big Ten.
The change is driven by the emergence of center Ava Heiden, who has blossomed into one of the country’s top post players, and the departure of Hannah Stuelke, whose midrange game never fully materialized for a perimeter role. With Heiden anchoring the paint, the Hawkeyes can spread the floor and exploit mismatches.
Fresh Talent Arrives
The roster overhaul includes two marquee transfers: Dani Carnegie, who averaged 17.8 points per game for the Bulldogs and offers a downhill attacking skill set rare since Caitlin Clark’s graduation, and Amari Whiting, a defensive specialist who can create her own shot and drive to the basket. Both are expected to immediately impact the team’s backcourt dynamics.
Adding to the mix, wing‑forward McKenna Woliczko will arrive on campus in the coming weeks. Her skill set aligns perfectly with the 4‑out, 1‑in philosophy, providing spacing and versatility on the perimeter.
Coach Lisa Bluder expressed confidence that the new‑look squad can match last season’s success and make a deeper run in March. “We have the talent and the chemistry to compete at the highest level,” she said, pointing to the 27‑7 record and a second‑place Big Ten finish as a foundation for future growth.