Top 5 Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruits to Watch in 2025

Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Continues Building Team Culture with Class of 2025 Additions

The Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball program has taken a proactive approach to their future success by securing a strong group of talented prospects in the Class of 2025. These incoming players, hailing from both within and outside Iowa, each bring unique skills and a tireless work ethic to the team. Their presence marks a commitment to building a formidable squad capable of contending in the competitive Big Ten Conference and beyond.

A Commitment to Versatility and Talent

Head coach Lisa Bluder has shown a keen eye for talent in assembling this recruiting class. Joining the Hawkeyes are five players who possess varying strengths, ensuring a diverse and versatile roster. Among them are a pair of highly ranked forwards, Sydney Affolter from Cedar Rapids and Maddie Krull from Waukee. Both Affolter and Krull excel in rebounding, defense, and paint play, providing a solid foundation for Iowa’s frontcourt. The class also includes guards Kyla Stewart and Ava Jones, who bring quickness, ball-handling skills, and a knack for creating scoring opportunities. Rounding out the group is forward Maggie Bair, known for her athleticism, determination, and perimeter shooting ability.

Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruiting: Top Targets for 2025

1: Kennedy Basham

The frontrunner in Iowa’s 2025 recruiting class, Kennedy Basham, is a 6’1" power forward who has already received offers from several top programs, including Michigan, Duke, and UConn. A native of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Basham is a skilled and versatile player who can score inside and out, rebound, and play defense.

Basham’s game is highlighted by her ability to attack the basket. She has a strong post game and can create her own shot. She is also a good ball handler and passer for her size, which allows her to serve as a playmaker for her teammates.

On defense, Basham is a force. She is a strong rebounder and can block shots with her length and athleticism. She is also a good one-on-one defender, with quick feet and good instincts.

Name	Position	Ht/Wt
Kennedy Basham	Power Forward	6’1″
Olivia Cole	Shooting Guard	5’9″
Emma Braziel	Point Guard	5’10”
Sydney Shelton	Small Forward	6’0″
Ella Goebel	Center	6’2″

Assistant Coaches in the Class of 2025

Iowa assistant Angie Janis spearheaded Iowa’s 2025 recruiting efforts. Janis is entering her fourth season with the Hawkeyes and has previous coaching experience at Iowa State, Illinois, and Drake. Chanell Millington joined the Iowa staff in August 2022 and brought with her a wealth of experience from her time at Iowa State and Georgia. Both coaches have a proven track record of developing talent and building strong relationships with recruits, and their efforts have been instrumental in Iowa’s success on the recruiting trail.

Commits in the Class of 2025

The Hawkeyes have secured commitments from two talented prospects for the 2025 class:

Name	Position	Hometown
Kylie Kilgallen	Guard	Eagan, MN
Grace Sunderman	Forward	St. Louis, MO

Kilgallen is a 5’11” guard from Eagan, Minnesota. She is a versatile player who can score from all three levels and has a knack for making plays for others. Sunderman is a 6’2″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri who is known for her athleticism and rebounding ability. She can also stretch the floor with her shooting range.

Future Stars in the Pipeline: Prospects to Watch for Iowa Women’s Basketball

3. Point Guard Depth: Future Directors of the Floor

With a plethora of talented point guards on the horizon, Iowa is poised to strengthen its foundation in the backcourt. Here are three promising prospects who could fill the role of floor general for the Hawkeyes in the coming years:

Sydney Hylton (5’8″ | Bolingbrook, IL): Hylton is a high-level prospect with an impressive resume. She’s a two-time state champion in Illinois and was named to the AAU All-American team in 2022. Hylton обладает отличным дриблингом, видением площадки, и способностью проникать в краску и раздавать результативные передачи.

Sydney Hylton
Height: 5’8″
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
2-time State Champion
AAU All-American

Olivia Olsen (5’11” | Bloomington, IN): Olsen is a long and athletic point guard with a knack for making plays. She’s a strong ball handler and can score effectively from beyond the arc. Olsen’s length and athleticism also make her an asset on the defensive end.

Olivia Olsen
Height: 5’11”
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Bloomington, IN
Strong ball handler
Can score effectively from beyond the arc

Anneline Amekpor (5’9″ | Tinley Park, IL): Amekpor is a versatile point guard with a well-rounded skill set. She’s a capable scorer, passer, and defender. Amekpor’s court vision and ability to create for others make her a valuable asset to any team.

Anneline Amekpor
Height: 5’9″
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
Versatile skill set
Capable scorer, passer, and defender

Building the Foundation: Iowa’s Plan for a Dominant 2025 Recruiting Class

Identifying the Elite Prospects

Iowa’s coaching staff has spent countless hours scouting and evaluating potential recruits across the country. They have narrowed their focus on players with exceptional athleticism, skill, and character. By identifying these elite prospects early on, the Hawkeyes can establish a foundation for their future success.

Developing Strong Relationships

Building relationships with both recruits and their families is paramount for Iowa’s recruiting efforts. The coaching staff consistently engages with prospects through phone calls, text messages, visits, and camps. They aim to foster a genuine connection that demonstrates their commitment to the players and their futures.

Selling the Iowa Advantage

Iowa’s coaching staff emphasizes the advantages that Hawkeyes offer to their student-athletes. These include:

* World-class facilities: Iowa boasts state-of-the-art practice and game venues, providing recruits with an exceptional training environment.
* Top-notch academics: The University of Iowa is renowned for its prestigious academic programs, ensuring that athletes have access to a well-rounded education.
* Winning tradition: Iowa’s women’s basketball program has a rich history of success, with numerous conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. This legacy attracts recruits who aspire to be part of a winning culture.
* Supportive fan base: The Hawkeyes enjoy tremendous fan support, creating a passionate and electric atmosphere for home games. This can be a major draw for recruits who want to play in front of a enthusiastic crowd.

Securing Commitments

The culmination of Iowa’s recruiting efforts is securing commitments from top-tier prospects. The coaching staff leverages their strong relationships and the allure of the Iowa Advantage to persuade recruits to join their program. By landing highly touted players, the Hawkeyes lay the groundwork for a competitive and successful 2025 class.

The Iowa Effect: How the Hawkeyes are Luring Top Recruits

Building a Brand

Iowa’s recent success on the court has played a major role in elevating their recruiting profile. The Hawkeyes have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the past four years and have been ranked in the AP Top 25 for much of that time. This consistent success has helped Iowa gain national recognition and has made them a more attractive destination for top recruits.

Developing Relationships

Iowa’s coaching staff has made a concerted effort to build strong relationships with recruits and their families. Head coach Lisa Bluder and her staff regularly attend AAU tournaments and camps to connect with players and their coaches. They also stay in regular contact with recruits throughout the recruiting process, providing them with updates on the program and answering any questions they may have.

The Carver-Hawkeye Arena Advantage

Carver-Hawkeye Arena is one of the most impressive venues in college basketball. The 15,500-seat arena is home to one of the most passionate fan bases in the country. The atmosphere inside Carver-Hawkeye is electric, and it’s a place where recruits can envision themselves playing in front of a sellout crowd.

Player Development

Iowa has a proven track record of developing players. Bluder and her staff have a knack for getting the most out of their players, both on and off the court. Iowa has had several players go on to play in the WNBA, including Megan Gustafson, Caitlin Clark, and Samantha Logic. This track record of success has helped Iowa attract top recruits who want to reach their full potential.

Financial Support

Iowa is one of the few schools in the country that offers full athletic scholarships to its women’s basketball players. This financial support helps Iowa compete with other top schools for the best recruits.

Rank	Player	Position	Hometown	High School
1	Ava Jones	Forward	Des Moines, IA	Roosevelt High School
2	Breya Cunningham	Guard	Chicago, IL	Whitney Young High School
3	Kendall Bostic	Guard	Columbus, OH	Gahanna Lincoln High School
4	Haylie Van Lith	Guard	Wenatchee, WA	Eastmont High School
5	Kylie Murphree	Forward	Nashville, TN	Brentwood Academy
6	Milayah Barnes	Guard	Chicago, IL	Whitney Young High School
7	Maya Nnaji	Forward	Hopkins, MN	Hopkins High School
8	Aaliyah Cooper	Guard	Atlanta, GA	Pace Academy
9	Deyana Dodd	Center	Grand Rapids, MI	East Kentwood High School
10	Taylor Pannell	Guard	Lexington, KY	Lexington Catholic High School

Iowa’s Elite Development: A Magnet for Future Stars

Iowa’s Track Record of Excellence: National Recognition

Iowa Women’s Basketball boasts an impressive resume, earning National Coach of the Year honors, Big Ten regular season and tournament championships, and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. This success has garnered national attention, making Iowa a destination for aspiring student-athletes.

Player Development: Nurturing Individual Potential

Iowa’s development model focuses on maximizing the potential of each player. The program prides itself on fostering individual growth through personalized training plans, individual workouts, and mentorship from experienced coaches.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Fueling Performance

Iowa’s recently renovated Carver-Hawkeye Arena offers a world-class environment for student-athletes. The facility features a cutting-edge weight room, hydrotherapy pools, and a dedicated sports medicine center, providing optimal training and recovery conditions.

Academic Excellence: Balancing Basketball and Education

Iowa’s commitment to student success extends beyond the court. The program collaborates with the University of Iowa’s renowned academic departments, providing support and resources for players to excel in their studies.

Parental Involvement: A Collaborative Approach

Iowa recognizes the importance of family support in player development. The program values open communication with parents and guardians, fostering a collaborative relationship that benefits the well-being and success of student-athletes.

Recent High-Profile Recruits: A Testament to Success

Iowa’s recent recruiting classes have showcased the program’s ability to attract top talent.

Player	Hometown	Previous School
Paige Rocca	St. Louis, MO	Incarnate Word
Jada Gyamfi	Bolingbrook, IL	Bolingbrook
Maren Wade	Lonetree, CO	Valor Christian
Lily Krause	Sioux Falls, SD	Washington
Addison O’Grady	Nora Springs, IA	Nora Springs-Rock Falls

Breaking Down the Competition: Iowa’s Rivals in the 2025 Recruiting Race

The National Contenders

Iowa faces stiff competition from national powerhouses like UConn, Baylor, and South Carolina. These programs consistently attract top recruits and excel on the court. Iowa must make a compelling case to standout players to compete with these well-established programs.

The B1G Battles

Within the Big Ten Conference, Iowa will battle for top prospects with programs like Michigan, Indiana, and Maryland. These teams have strong track records of developing talent and competing for championships.

The Regional Rivalries

Iowa also encounters regional competition from programs like Nebraska, Iowa State, and Minnesota. These schools have passionate fan bases and a history of recruiting strong players from the Midwest.

Breaking Down the National Landscape

The 2025 recruiting class features an abundance of talented players. Iowa’s primary targets include:

Player	Position	Hometown
Jadyn Donovan	Guard	Las Vegas, NV
Sarah Strong	Center	Pewaukee, WI
Alexis Markowski	Center	Holt, MI

Iowa needs to showcase its strong coaching staff, facilities, and academic opportunities to secure these top prospects.

The Allure of Iowa City: What Makes Iowa a Prime Destination for Recruits

Community and Atmosphere

Iowa City is a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community. The city is home to the University of Iowa, which provides a lively and energetic atmosphere on game days. The Hawkeyes have a devoted fan base that creates a passionate and supportive environment for women’s basketball.

Academic Excellence

The University of Iowa is a top-tier academic institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Student-athletes have access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a supportive academic community that values both athletic and academic achievement.

Coaching Staff

The Iowa Hawkeyes are led by legendary head coach Lisa Bluder, who has established herself as one of the most respected and successful coaches in the history of women’s basketball. Bluder’s experience, leadership, and commitment to developing her players make her a highly attractive figure for recruits.

Facilities

Iowa City provides state-of-the-art facilities for the Hawkeyes’ women’s basketball program. The team practices and plays home games in the historic Carver-Hawkeye Arena, which offers a comfortable and electric atmosphere. Additionally, the program has dedicated training facilities, including a weight room, athletic training center, and a player development lab.

Success on and Off the Court

The Iowa Hawkeyes have a long history of success on the court. The program has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, including several Elite Eight runs and a berth in the Final Four in 2015. Off the court, Iowa players excel in the classroom and in the community, earning academic honors and actively participating in outreach initiatives.

Iowa Values

The University of Iowa and the women’s basketball program embody the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity. These values are instilled in recruits from the moment they step on campus, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court.

Culture of Camaraderie

The Iowa Hawkeyes value teamwork and camaraderie. The team creates a welcoming and supportive environment where players from diverse backgrounds come together to form a cohesive unit. This sense of unity contributes to the program’s success on the court and fosters lasting bonds between teammates.

Career Development

Iowa’s coaching staff is committed to helping their players develop both as athletes and as individuals. The program emphasizes skill development, leadership training, and mentorship, preparing players for success both within and beyond the sport. Many former Hawkeyes have gone on to professional careers, further solidifying Iowa’s reputation as a prime destination for aspiring women’s basketball stars.

The Next Generation: Iowa Women’s Basketball 2025 Recruiting Class Preview

9. Gigi Estes (Marion, Iowa)

A 6’0″ guard, Estes is ranked as a four-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 16 player in the nation. She is a dynamic scorer with a smooth jump shot and a knack for getting to the rim. Estes is also a solid rebounder and defender. She helped lead her Marion High School team to a state championship in 2022 and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Estes is regarded as a potential difference-maker at Iowa. Her athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility make her an ideal fit for Coach Bluder’s up-tempo style of play. She has the potential to contribute immediately as a freshman and could become a star for the Hawkeyes in the years to come.

Name	Position	Hometown	Height	Ranking
Gigi Estes	Guard	Marion, Iowa	6’0″	No. 16

Iowa’s Commitment to Excellence: Investing in the Future of Women’s Basketball

10. A Legacy of Success: Building on a Foundation of Excellence

With 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 3 Sweet 16s and 1 Elite Eight berth, Iowa’s women’s basketball program has established a proud tradition of success. Head Coach Lisa Bluder, who has led the Hawkeyes for over 20 years, has a remarkable winning percentage of 76.5% and has been named National Coach of the Year twice. Her commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court has created a winning culture that attracts top recruits and fosters excellence.

Iowa’s success extends beyond the court. The Hawkeyes consistently rank among the nation’s top programs in academics, with a team GPA of 3.6 in 2022. The program’s commitment to education and personal growth has produced countless graduates who have gone on to successful careers both in basketball and other fields.

The following table highlights some of Iowa’s recent achievements:

Year	Accomplishments
2022	– NCAA Tournament Second Round – Big Ten Tournament Championship Game – Big Ten Regular Season Co-Championship – AP Top 25 Ranking (reached as high as No. 12)
2021	– NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 – Big Ten Tournament Championship Game – Big Ten Regular Season Championship – AP Top 25 Ranking (reached as high as No. 8)
2020	– NCAA Tournament canceled due to COVID-19 – Big Ten Regular Season Championship – AP Top 25 Ranking (reached as high as No. 14) Iowa Women’s Basketball Recruiting 2025: A Promising Outlook Iowa Women’s Basketball has a bright future ahead with a promising 2025 recruiting class that features a mix of talented in-state prospects and out-of-state recruits. The Hawkeyes have secured five commitments from top-rated recruits, who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. One of the standout commits is Ava Markham, a 6’2″ forward from Iowa City West High School. Markham is a highly-skilled post player with a soft touch around the basket and a strong work ethic. She averaged 19.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a junior. Another key recruit is guard Amirah Reynolds from Bolingbrook, Illinois. Reynolds is a dynamic scorer with excellent handles and court vision. She averaged 22.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for Bolingbrook High School last season. Other commitments include guard Molly Davis from Solon High School, guard Kyla Oldenkamp from Pella Christian High School, and post player Emily Richmond from West Des Moines Valley High School. These recruits all bring their unique strengths and skills to the Hawkeye program and are expected to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years. People Also Ask Who is the top recruit in Iowa Women’s Basketball’s 2025 class? Ava Markham, a 6’2″ forward from Iowa City West High School, is considered the top recruit in the Hawkeyes’ 2025 class. How many commitments does Iowa Women’s Basketball have in the 2025 class? The Hawkeyes have secured five commitments from top-rated recruits in the 2025 class. What is the average height of the Iowa Women’s Basketball 2025 recruiting class? The average height of the Hawkeyes’ 2025 recruiting class is approximately 6’0″.