For a long time, Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin were the faces of Iowa basketball. But now, with both transitioning to the pros, it’s time for a new chapter. We have Hannah Stuelke, a player who’s been steadily growing and finding her voice. This season, Coach Jan Jensen is putting her full trust in Stuelke to lead the Hawkeyes, and the junior is more than ready to step up. 

Speaking on the challenges of coaching star players, the new head coach shared some valuable insights: “When you have a kid that can do something like Caitlin did or a star player, we try to highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses.” 

She explained that with star players, the weaknesses are minimal, and that’s what makes them so great. However, with others, the HC believes it’s their job to highlight the strengths they have and make them shine. “Because that’s when you can sail right like Caitlyn or maybe this year Hannah Stuelke,” she said. 

During the interview with Chris Mailander, she also highlighted the need to have a player who has that freedom and the ability to lead others with instinct. This is exactly what Stuelke has been doing lately in her junior year. 

Even in Iowa’s latest win, a 68-48 victory over BYU in Cancun, the 21-year-old forward led the charge, dropping 16 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out three assists. It wasn’t just the stat line that was impressive, but also her presence.

Iowa was dominant, particularly in the second half, where they scored 43 points. Stuelke’s leadership was evident, especially after a slow first half where the team led by just six. The way she carried the load in the second half, with 14 points, propelled Hawkeys to a comfortable victory. 

After the game, she said, “Without Lucy (who was injured), I had to step up a little bit more. It was just a mindset. We came out, played great, and I’m really proud of us.” This season, she has helped Iowa remain undefeated with a perfect 8-0 record, averaging 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. But it’s not just her on-court heroics. 

Hannah taking the lead off and on the court

Besides her performances on the court, Stuelke also shows leadership off the court. During a Big Ten media day back in October, she spoke about how much she has evolved, both as a player and as a person.

“I think it’s changed a lot. My personality has changed a lot too. I used to be really nervous sitting right here, but now I’m doing OK. I think I’ve just gotten more confident on the court, and that’ll just continue to grow.” Her confidence is evident not only in her game but in how she’s helping guide younger players.

Coach Jensen also highlighted Stuelke’s leadership development, saying, “Over the summer, she’s been the one that’s organized team dinners from the very beginning, and that stuff’s big off the floor.” Along with the off-court stuff, she is also showing the freshmen “what the expectations are.” 

With time, the junior is embracing the role, one that’s very different from her early years at Iowa. She’s ready to step into the big shoes left behind by Caitlin Clark. As Coach Jensen says, “Her voice is getting louder, which I love.” The confidence is there, the skills are there, and now, it’s all about continuing to lead the Hawkeyes to success like her seniors.