A fresh wave of talent for the Hawkeyes
The Iowa women's basketball program is gearing up for its first test of the 2026‑27 campaign, opening the season on November 8 at the storied arena of UConn. The matchup promises a clash of two programs hungry for a strong start.
Joining the roster are two Georgia alumni who have already shared the court in the 25‑26 season: Jocelyn Faison and Dani Carnegie. Both arrived in Iowa together, a decision made without prior discussion but driven by a shared vision of contributing to a championship‑contending squad.
Their time in Athens was marked by a memorable second‑round NCAA tournament clash against Virginia at Carver Hawkeye Arena, where Faison praised the enthusiastic crowd and the atmosphere that helped the Bulldogs push through a tight contest.
Coaching expectations
Assistant coach Lasondra Barrett sees Faison as a player who can inject fresh energy into the program, noting that the forward’s limited minutes at Georgia should translate into greater confidence and impact once she settles into Iowa’s system.
Carnegie arrives with a reputation as a unanimous First‑Team All‑SEC selection, a distinction that underscores her elite performance last season. She has publicly set her sights on turning professional and believes Iowa offers the best platform to chase a national title.
Adding another layer of familiarity, Chit Chat Wright, a returning guard who grew up alongside Carnegie in Atlanta and played with her at Georgia Tech, expressed excitement about seeing her friends flourish in the Hawkeye system.
The blend of experienced transfers, returning talent, and a supportive coaching staff creates a narrative of continuity and ambition. As the team prepares to step onto the UConn floor, the early chemistry suggests the Hawkeyes could be a formidable presence in the upcoming season.